Desserts in Jars by Shaina Olmanson {cookbook review}

Desserts in Jars: 

50 Sweet Treats that Shine

author: Shaina Olmanson
publisher: Harvard Common Press
photos: yes
hard cover (w/ spiral binding, so pages lay flat - love this feature) : 160 pages

chapters/sections:  Cakes and Cupcakes - Pies and Pastries - Custards and Puddings - Fruit Desserts - Frozen Desserts - Mixes for Giving

fun features:  I hate to state the obvious, but... THE JARS!  The whole concept is just fun.  Be sure to read the introduction, in which Olmanson introduces the concept and shares tips on choosing the correct jars... talks about filling, baking in, freezing, and adorning of the jars.

(a few of the many) recipes destined for my kitchen:  Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes - Caramel Crème Cheesecakes - Almond Poppy Seed Cakes - Lemon Meringue Pies w/ a Thyme Shortbread Crust - Espresso Crème Brûlées - Sweet Corn Panna Cotta w/ Bacon & Blackberry Sauce - Banana Buttermilk Trifles - Sparkling Pomegranate & Orange Jelly Cups - Peach Granita Bellinis - Spiced Hot Chocolate Mix w/ Cinnamon Marshmallows - Campfire Bars Mix

my thoughts/review:  I love this concept.  As a person who has always been attracted to pretty jars, this book is almost a given.  Not only is it full of gorgeous photos and tantalizing recipes, it also makes sense.  Whether making the desserts to serve at a party or get-together, or to give away as gifts, it may be a bit of a novelty, but I don't think it ever really goes out of style.

Not only would the desserts in the book make thoughtful gifts, so would the book itself.  As someone who loves to give handmade gifts, I really enjoyed the last chapter in the book, which is full of various "mixes in jars" ideas.  Another cool thing, you can head over to Shaina's website and print out custom tags for some of the recipes in the book.

Recommended for any foodie, cookbook hoarder, dessert-lover, or crafter in your life.

recipe I have already tried: Orange White Chocolate Cheesecakes w/ Cranberry Sauce

about the author: Shaina Olmanson is the author behind the food blog, Food For My Family.  She is a regular contributor to the blogs Simple Bites and Life Your Way as well as to Babble’s Family Kitchen, and she has served as the editor of the food channel for Lifetime Moms, a digital property of the A&E Networks.  She lives in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area with her husband, Ole, and their four children.

further info:  blog | facebook | twitter

Check out my #DessertsInJars Holiday Party post for more on this great book.

I received a free book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions stated in this post are 100% my own.