Preserving the Seasons with Holly Capelle: A Taste of Summer All Year Long

k engels

5 months ago

Easy preservation techniques and flavorful recipes to savor garden freshness all year.

Read our FULL interview with Holly Capelle in the September issue of Basil & Salt Living.

Fill out the form below for a chance to win Holly Capell’s Preserving the Seasons! Last day for entry is August 9, 2025.

Summer is in full bloom, and gardens everywhere are bursting with juicy peaches, ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and edible flowers. But as the warm days fade into autumn, how can we savor these fresh flavors all year round?

Enter Preserving the Seasons (on sale July 29th), the delightful new guide from Holly Capelle, beloved creator of @BigFamilyLiving, boasting nearly half a million devoted followers. Holly expertly breaks down approachable preservation techniques like canning, quick pickling, freezing, infusing, dehydrating, and more. Her step-by-step instructions make preserving your garden’s bounty not only manageable but enjoyable—even if you’re new to the process.

But Holly’s book isn’t just about preservation; it’s a flavorful journey through creative, seasonal cooking. Recipes range from the bright, fresh Chive Blossom Vinaigrette using infused vinegars to a juicy Black Pepper Plum Jam perfect for morning toast. Her Peach Slab Pie, created effortlessly with frozen fruit, makes dessert easy any time of year, while Zesty Quick Pickled Peppers add a lively twist to burgers and tacos.

To give you a delicious taste of Holly’s creative flair, here’s an exquisite recipe straight from the pages of Preserving the Seasons:

Garden Butter Log

“Sometimes we need to take a step back to just do something creative. Butter is that for me. This recipe is just a guide for your own kitchen creativity, and once you get the feel of it, there will be no measuring, just art!” – Holly Capelle

MAKES 1 BUTTER LOG

6 fresh thyme sprigs
2 fresh rosemary sprigs
4 to 5 fresh chives, finely chopped
12 to 16 whole pansies or violas (more if using violas only)
4 to 5 calendula flowers
2 sticks butter, at room temperature
2 to 4 black peppercorns (optional)

Instructions:

Rinse herbs and flowers quickly under cool water. Pat dry.
Remove leaves from half the thyme and rosemary sprigs; finely chop these. Finely chop chives. Roughly chop half the pansy petals and calendula petals.
Mix chopped herbs and petals with butter in a bowl.
Spoon mixture onto parchment paper, rolling into a log shape. Decorate with remaining herbs and flowers.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, refrigerate until firm (2–4 hours).
Serve chilled and enjoy!

During our conversation, Holly shared her insights and enthusiasm about preservation and garden-to-table living:

On advice for beginners:

“Don’t be afraid. A lot of people think preservation immediately means canning, and all the scare tactics that come along with it. Canning is just one tiny part of preserving. Whether harvesting enormous amounts or small handfuls, there are ways to preserve those flavors for longer.”

On balancing private life and social media:

“I’m really soaking up the moments with family. If I can put together a beautiful reel that gives you the feeling of being in the garden with me, that’s my way of sharing. It’s a balancing act, and I’m still learning it.”

On her favorite preservation staples:

“Everyone needs to infuse vinegar. Use your favorite herb and let it infuse, then use it in sauces, marinades, or vinaigrettes. Also, infused salts—combine an edible flower and an herb for a beautiful, flavorful addition to meals. Lastly, simple infused oils can transform basic pantry staples into gourmet dishes.”

Holly’s approachable style and vibrant creativity shine in every page of Preserving the Seasons. Her passion for the edible garden and family-focused cooking will inspire you to turn seasonal abundance into a year-round culinary adventure.

Stay tuned as we showcase more from Holly Capelle this autumn—there’s much more deliciousness to come!

Holly Capelle’s Preserving the Seasons Guide – NOW available at Amazon!

Read the full article and more about Holly Capelle in our September issue! Not a subscriber yet? Get 12-issues delivered to your mailbox here!

GIVEAWAY ALERT! We are giving away a copy of Holly Capelle’s guide, Preserving the Seasons. To enter, simply fill out the information form below.

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