If you're like me, you've always wondered how to make those gorgeous jars of pickled fruits and vegetables that line the shelves of upscale food and gift shops. Wonder no more, "The Joy of Pickling" is here with all the answers!

This is literally an encyclopedia of all things pickled. Author Linda Ziedrich has packed it with detailed instructions as well as 200 flavor packed recipes. There's recipes for canning as well as quick fix refrigerator pickles of all varieties.

Lest you think you'll only find recipes for the usual old dills or bread and butter pickles, let me assure you otherwise. While the standard favorites are here in abundance, Ms. Ziedrich takes us on an international pickle journey with stops in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Regardless of your ethnic background, there are recipes here that are sure to remind you of what your grandmother used to make.

Gardeners will find this book especially helpful, in that they will no longer have to get rid of an abundance of produce that spoils quicker than it can be eaten. There's recipes just about any food you can imagine, such as eggplant, peppers, beans, garlic, cabbage, a variety of fruits as well as the ever popular cucumber. But wait, there's more! You'll also find recipes for relishes, salsas and chutneys as well as pickled meats, fish and eggs (I told you it was like an encyclopedia).

Whether you grow your own or pick up in season produce at the farmer's market, your pantry will be well stocked with mouth watering pickles. And don't forget, they also make elegant gifts from your kitchen.

Linda Ziedrich spent over three years perfecting techniques and testing recipes for this book, and it shows. You'll find step by step directions with illustrations, charts and trouble-shooting guides and information about equipment and food safety. There's fresh pickles, fermented pickles, cabbage pickles, rice bran pickles, miso pickles, soy sauce pickles. sweet pickles. quick pickles and freezer pickles. Wow, what a book!

Sample Recipes:
See the Related Recipes box below for sample recipes from this book.