This book is about my relationship with jam my soul music and the world in which I live. When I make jam I slow down my actions become rhythmical my thinking clear. The repetitive motions of washing stirring pouring and labeling allow me the space to think about my life -- what it means to be starting over and how I can embrace this stage of my life with vitality and joy. With warmth and love Joan Hassol takes us on an evocative journey through raspberry patches in search of beach plums down memory s lane and ultimately to her bed-and-breakfast on Cape Cod where her jam business Well Preserved is in full operation. In over seventy easy-to-prepare recipes -- none of which requires special equipment -- she reveals how to create such goodies as blueberry wild cherry and concord grape jams five-fruit marmalade pear with frangelico jam and green tomato chutney as well as breads muffins and cakes to complement the preserves or to serve on their own. Well Preserved is a jam-making hymnal a vibrant celebration of nature s rich bounty as much about the soul as cooking.