home dairy

 If I blogged about every book that I borrowed from the library, there would be nothing else here. Mostly, as of late, it's been non-fiction books. I get most of my recommendations from other blogs and friends, and I seldom buy a book without first borrowing it from the library and checking it out (literally and figuratively). I'll often fly through them quickly. Sometimes, by the time I actually get my hands on a book, it's been months since I requested it and I can't remember where I read about it, or why I wanted to borrow it. I've come across a bunch of good ones lately, but this one absolutely deserves its own post.

It's Home Dairy with Ashley English, and it is the perfect reference for making yogourt, cheeses, and butters. It's beautifully laid out, the pages have a lovely texture and smell like Grade 4 (Mmmm!) and the instructions are clear, well-written and logically ordered. I LOVE it, and will be buying my own copy with my next Air Miles redemption. (That's how I keep myself from spending all of my money on books!) If I had some extra cash lying around, I would give you all copies. But since I don't, go to your library's website immediately and put a hold on it. Then you'll read it and decide that you need to buy a copy, too. I promise.

Ashley English is also on Twitter, and she has a great blog, Small Measure. There are also three other books in this series, which I am assuming are just as excellent (and I've read positive reviews, too!): Keeping Bees, Keeping Chickens, and Canning and Preserving. If one of you has a bazillion air miles that you want to redeem for Chapters gift cards for me, please feel free. I will happily accept! Really, this book is worth your time. I promise.

**Edited to add: I was so excited, I forgot to include three of my favourite things about the book! Firstly, it was manufactured in Canada, a rare thing to see these days, and secondly, there is a section of body care recipes! Third, there are instructions for a cheese press, which I don't know if I'll ever make, but I love that it's in the book.**

I hope that you had a great weekend, and happy reading!