Mes Confitures: The Jams and Jellies of Christine Ferber
Mes Confitures: The Jams and Jellies of Christine Ferber book cover

Mes Confitures: The Jams and Jellies of Christine Ferber

Hardcover – September 1, 2002

Price
$27.85
Format
Hardcover
Pages
287
Publisher
Michigan State University Press
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-0870136290
Dimensions
8 x 1.1 x 8 inches
Weight
1.98 pounds

Description

From Library Journal Ferber is a fourth-generation French patissiere whose specialty is her unusual, delicious jams and jellies, which have gained an international following among chefs (Alain Ducasse, who wrote the foreword, serves them at his renowned restaurants) and other gourmands. This book, a best seller in France, presents dozens of recipes, organized by season, for preserves from Black Cherry with Pinot Noir to Greengage and Mirabelle Plum with Mint; a number of them include chocolate, not a standard addition. Few of the recipes include headnotes, although translator's notes identify the more exotic ingredients; instructions are on the brief side. However, any jam maker will find Ferber's book fascinating. Recommended for all canning and preserving collections. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Christine Ferber lives in Alsace, where she continues to make jams, pastry, and confections by hand, with only the freshest local ingredients. She is the author of several books on French cookery.

Features & Highlights

  • Chefs throughout the world have long prized the rare and delicious creations of France’s Christine Ferber—an internationally known master patissière who has worked with culinary luminaries Alain Ducasse, the Troisgros family, and Antoine Westermann. For the first time, English-language audiences have access to her artistry with the publication of the French bestseller,
  • Mes Confitures: The Jams and Jellies of Christine Ferber
  • . Written in a clear,accessible style,
  • Mes Confitures
  • brings hand-made jams to life for home cooks and professional chefs alike.     In
  • Mes Confitures
  • , Ferber opens her personal recipe book, sharing such treasures as Black Cherry with Pinot Noir, Apricot and Spiced Apple, and Rosehip and Vanilla. Organized seasonally, uncommon recipes like Rhubarb with Acacia Honey and Rosemary, or Banana, Orange, and Chocolate jams raise the craft of confiture to a new level. Ferber also divulges her secrets, identifying the proper tools and equipment for foolproof, exciting, and unusual creations.     Ferber’s use of locally grown, extraordinary ingredients, most of which are accessible in farmers’ markets, gourmet foodshops, or by mail-order, makes for exquisite jams that are far more interesting than the everyday. Ferber’s jams are artisanal in their reliance on seasonal fruits, traditional techniques, and their emphasis on simplicity and freshness.

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
60%
(128)
★★★★
25%
(53)
★★★
15%
(32)
★★
7%
(15)
-7%
(-15)

Most Helpful Reviews

✓ Verified Purchase

Best Jams - No Added Pectin

I have been borrowing this book for over a year and finally bought my own copy. It's worth the price just for the overall technique, even without all of the individual recipes. I have made A LOT of jam out of this book and it always comes out great. Of course, in case you prefer it, this is not the tight hard type of jam - it's luscious and a bit runny. The flavors are delicious!

I don't like using pectin and I don't like paying for pectin. These recipes contain only fruits, sugar, and flavorings. You'll be proud of your product.
19 people found this helpful
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A book for the artisan jam maker

If you are an experienced preserver and looking for jam and jelly recipes that are not your typical grocery store variety, this is the book.The canning instructions and times are not included that's why I suggested this book is for a seasoned canner looking for recipes to make artisan jams & jellies. There are combinations of ingredients that sound wonderful and I never would have thought of putting them together. Very glad I purchased this book.
8 people found this helpful
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Fabulous!

Christine Ferber's artisanal jams at Au Relais des Trois Epis are to die for!

This book contains 70 unique recipes, guaranteed to dazzle friends, family and co-worker's alike. So far I've made the Nectarine, Pear & Vanilla Jam, Strawberry Jam with Black Pepper & Fresh Mint, as well as the Lemongrass & Garden Raspberry Jam--all with stunning results. The recipes are surprisingly simple--fresh picked fruit, sugar, lemon and a little patience (the prep time for some jams require the ingredients sit overnight, or over the course of a few days--trust me, the flavor in the end is outstanding!) The only drawback to this book is that, for beginners, you will probably have to supplement another [book] for basic instruction (methods, safety, etc.), as this is more suited to those with jamming backgrounds. Other than that, it is a fabulous treat for those of us who cannot make it to Alsace to visit her lovely boulangerie-pâtisserie!
7 people found this helpful
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Perfect for small batches!

If you have a garden, like to peruse farm markets or just like to make small batches of home-canned treats this is THE book to own! The recipes range from basics like strawberry and marmalade to more adventurous combinations. The process is different (I think easier and fresher) than the American canning recipes that have you boiling and adding copious amounts of sugar to the fruits along with crappy pectin. I LOVE this book!
4 people found this helpful
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Five Stars

Best book on preparing jams and jellies on the market.
3 people found this helpful
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Really excellent

Amazing recipes that bring out the best flavors of the fruits. I have made several of the recipes and it is worth using a kitchen scale to get the proportions right.
3 people found this helpful
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A must have for your culinary library

I gave my first copy to a student at the school I teach at as a reward for excellence. I find the recipes easy to follow and allow for a personal touch. I have made a lot of these recipes over the past few years and have never been disappointed in the flavor or out come. A must have m
Book for home chef's or professionals
3 people found this helpful
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Excellent recipes, not for the inexperienced

I'm a beginner to canning and jam-making.

I bought this book for its recipes not for the canning methods. The author clearly states that this is how she makes her jams and jellies. She makes no comment on food safety or anything of the sort.

In terms of ideas, her recipes are superb as it gave me ideas on my own jams and also any fruit desserts. I modified a berry pie recipe taking cues from some of her recipes.

The directions are short and simple. I feel as if she is standing next to me and saying, succinctly, "do this, do that and do that."

A very creative chef.
3 people found this helpful
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Everyone who wants natural gourmet style preserves should conceder buying it

I love it. There so many interesting recipes. I cannot put it down over weekend, I cooked several jams already and all of them had been a bomb. My fav. is strawberry jam with raspberry juice and balsamic vinegar.mmmmmmmm
2 people found this helpful
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Beautiful preserves

Beautiful book on canning. Readers should make themselves familiar with basic safety issues in canning as they really aren't addressed (most of that can be found on the internet or through cooperative extension programs) The recipes are excellent and if you are looking for a book that focuses on pectin free jams, this is definitely the book for you.
2 people found this helpful