Lee Murphy, a passionate and knowledgeable jam master and owner of Vista D'oro Farms & Winery, presents a vibrant look at the pleasures of creating and using beautiful, seasonal preserves.

A short drive from Vancouver, and an even easier trip over the border from Washington, The Preservatory is located on the bucolic ten-acre farm and winery in South Langley, British Columbia, Canada, and is home to a growing international brand where the star of the show is the in-season, locally grown fruit. At the Preservatory, Lee Murphy and her team create delicious artisanal preserves in small batches using copper pots for locals and visitors alike.
In The Preservatory, Lee demonstrates how to create your own unique preserves and how to use them in delicious recipes (preserves are not just for toast!). The creative options are truly endless, and this book will make jam masters out of everyone. Organized by season, the book features 55 recipes for preserves, such as Strawberry with Rose Petals, and Banana Passion Fruit & Rum; and 45 recipes using preserves, among them Gorgonzola Gougere with Pear; Indian Spiced Meatballs with Green Tomato & Garam Masala; and Pan Seared Scallops with Green Walnut & Grappa.
Filled with luscious, vibrant photography, The Preservatory is both an inspiring combination of traditional techniques and creative ideas and a celebration of locally grown food, seasonal cooking, and enjoying life with family and friends.

Lee Murphy's profile page

• Short-listed, Taste Canada Awards - Single-Subject Cookbook

LEE MURPHY owns and operates The Preservatory and Vista D'oro Farms & Winery in South Langley, British Columbia, with her husband, Patrick. A working farm growing heirloom tomatoes, orchard fruits and grapes, the property also boasts a beautiful Craftsman-style carriage house: home to The Preservatory, where artisanal preserves are produced. In 2004, Lee received a culinary diploma with honors, from Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver. Her passion for local, farm fresh ingredients has led her to a seasonal line of artisanal preserves that are currently available across Canada, the US and were recently added to the shelves at Harrods in London. As a freelance writer, Lee has contributed to TASTE magazine and her preserves have been featured in Country Living magazine, enRoute, Canadian Living and many other publications. Lee is also an active Board Member of Les Dames d'Escoffier, BC chapter. The author lives in Langley, British Columbia.

“Picking fruits in the perfect state to preserve them is so satisfying. When the sweet preserves are then spread on a crunchy piece of warm bread, all the fruit flavor comes rushing back in your mouth. Thank you, Lee, for sharing your passion, so that we may all enjoy it.” -- Lidia Bastianich

“As beautiful as it is delicious, The Preservatory is filled with recipes that you’ll want to cook—and want to cook with! Lee has ‘put up’ a classic filled with flavorful preserves and plated meals that will be a resource in our kitchen for years to come.” -- Joel MacCharles and Dana Harrison, authors of Batch: Over 200 Recipes, Tips & Techniques for a Well Preserved Kitchen

“We have spent wonderful times at Lee’s farm, Vista D’oro, enjoying good wine and good company. Lee’s jams are out of this world!” -- Vikram Vij, author of Vij: A Chef’s One-Way Ticket to Canada with Indian Spices in His Suitcase and Vij’s At Home

“Lee evokes an intense sense of cooking and lifestyle, in this, her first book. The beautiful farmhouse setting, complete with wraparound porch, takes the reader to a place of calm and beauty. Her recipes, like Plum with Vanilla & Star Anise, bring back the warmth of old world preserving while at the same time offering a fresh modern twist.” -- Caren McSherry, Founder/President of the Gourmet Warehouse and author of Starters, Salads and Sexy Sides