Canning and Pickling Party

A preserving party is an event where you and your guests will acquire new skills. You'll learn how to make pickles and jam, and the proper technique for sealing the jars, so why not take it one step further and have everyone make their own cocktail? Designate a special space to be the bar and set out all of the ingredients for this beautifully hued drink, a hibiscus punch. Write out the recipe on cardstock, place the necessary measuring tools and mixers on the table, and stack glasses nearby. Fill buckets with other drinks — water, soda, wine, beer — and ice, and slide under the drink table. Then, invite everyone to make their own concoction. To get the recipe I recommend, keep reading.

Since I'm serving some savory treats at my preserving party, I also plan to offer one sweet treat. Not just any dessert, but a crumbly, fruity pastry that makes the most of last year's blueberry preserves: blueberry cookie bars. They are simple to put together and if any remain when the party ends, I'll pack them up and offer them as favors to my guest. We'll also be making one sweet jam together: mixed berry jam.

To take a look at these recipes, keep reading.

In the Winter, I always love to invite my friends over for a cookie swap or edible gift-making party. However, I've never done something like this during the warmer months — until now. Inspired by a new Williams-Sonoma book, The Art of Preserving, I'm hosting a canning party and I suggest you do the same. First select a date — preferably a relaxed time, like Sunday afternoon — then decide what you want to make at the event. Throw in some homemade snacks and you've got yourself a fabulous little party. At mine, I'll offer guests two nibbles in the form of a white bean dip with parsley oil and an oven-dried tomato tart with goat cheese and black olives.

What will we be making? Peach-rosemary jam and classic dill pickles! If this sounds like fun to you, check out these recipes, after the break.