Pickles, Illustrated: A Cookbook of 36 Recipes and Briny Miscellany

by Karen Solomon, Alice Oehr (illustrator)

Ready to get pickling? This brightly illustrated guide is your invitation to a voyage down the Great Pickle Highway, with 36 recipes for famous and funky ferments, along with a jarful of fascinating pickle tidbits and lore.

Pickled foods come in all shapes and sizes, from spicy, bold shreds of classic kimchi to slightly sweet, crunchy bread and butter discs. Inside Pickles, Illustrated, you’ll discover four categories of sour-ish, savory-ish, sweet-ish, and spicy-ish. Recipes for classics such as Pickled Red Onion sit alongside deeper cuts like Spicy Blackened Szechuan Pickled Peppers—all delicious options for your next charcuterie board.



Instructions for each recipe include the preferred pickling method as well as expert guidance on the type of salt best suited for that particular pickled delicacy (whichever fruit, veggie, seafood, or mix of ingredients it may be). The four preserving methods employed throughout


Quick pickles, or quickles


Refrigerator pickles


Fermentation


Salt-curing




Sprinkled among the recipes are salty bits of pickle culture and traditions from around the world, like the origins of Kimchi Day in Korea and the history behind the ubiquitous pickle holiday ornament. In a pickle to find a gift for the pickle lover in your life? Relish this moment—you’ve found it!

DELICIOUS PICKLE With this book, you can delight in beautiful illustrations celebrating pickled foods and learn to make delicious pickles, too. Explore gut-health-supporting fermented classics like the Kosher Dill or unexpected twists like Green Strawberry Salsa to add new staples to your culinary repertoire.



GIFT FOR PICKLE Your pickle-obsessed friend has been waiting for this book their whole life. Pickles, Illustrated is a terrific gift for any pickle person, on its own or paired with a bountiful jar of pickles, a set of canning jars, or a charcuterie set. 



PICKLE Whether displayed lovingly on a coffee table, propped up next to a cheese board shared with friends, or arranged with other cookbooks on a shelf, this beautifully illustrated recipe book is just as fun to look at as it is to use.

Perfect


Pickle enthusiasts of all ages


Charcuterie lovers 


Novice or experienced preservers 


Home cooks of all levels 


Vegetarians, flexitarians, and anyone looking to add more fermented foods into their diet


Fans of Cheese, Illustrated 

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Cooking

152 pages, Hardcover

Published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this super cute cookbook!

It’s a delightful, quirky little book! I’m not used to cookbooks without a bulleted list of ingredients before the recipe but somehow it works in this one. The instructions are clear and concise, the artwork is adorable, the recipes seem easy enough that anyone can make them.

There aren’t photos of the recipes but it’s okay, it’s mostly just chopping and mixing stuff together, the drawings are great.

I’ve started the apple chutney and I’m so excited to eat it, it smells amazing! Next up: one of the spicy recipes.

[Lis ~Cheese Fairy~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this cover and immediately requested the book! My husband loves pickles. Loves loves loves them. Would eat pickles with every meal if I wasn’t around, so I thought this would be a great push for me to start making them!

I’m sure the recipes are good, but this layout makes it incredibly hard to follow. Ingredients are written in paragraph form, instead of bulleted separately, which means your eyes are scanning and rescanning the ingredients. I own a lot of cook books, like a lot-a lot, and none of them have this problem. A design choice was clearly made, but I don’t personally think it’s a good one. I also think the sketches are cute, but some are too abstract to give the dish credit. If I’m being sold a seasoned pickle, I need to see that reflected in the illustration. If I’m being given instructions for cut, sliced, and diced- don’t give me whole vegetable drawings. There are a few recipes I’m excited to try, but this won’t be a go-to book because of the…quirks? …features? I really don’t know what to call these design decisions.

Thank you NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this arc!

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

im just as surprised as you are that im reviewing a pickle cookbook but look at it!! the illustrations by alice oehr are so cute they really make the book (how cute would they be as prints in the kitchen!) and there are multiple recipes i can't wait to try.
ive been making fridge and quick pickles for a few years now but this book has emboldened me to try new flavors and pickle. more. things!!!
there's a fresh apple chutney i cant wait to make and cinnamon clove pickled peaches?! are you kidding me?! drooling as i wait for peach season

thanks to Chronicle Books for this ARC via netgalley

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book!

As a lover of all things pickled and an enjoyer of illustrated cookbooks, I was so excited to get my hands on Pickles, Illustrated. The illustrations are so fun and eye-catching, and make it a pleasure to flip through. The author did a great job of breaking the recipes down into easy to follow steps, and although the ingredients list is written into the recipe, the text of the items are bolded, so after a bit of a style adjustment I got used to the layout.

The book is full of classics as well as recipes for foods I would've never thought to pickle such as peaches, cranberries, and even shrimp! I've already made the Thai Cucumber Quickles and they were delicious - I can't wait to dig in and try my hand at more recipes!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute book! It’s divided into flavor sections. The fruit pickling section in particular is SO interesting. I cannot wait to try the cinnamon peaches. The illustrations are so cute, so I’ll for sure be preordering a physical copy.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my advanced digital copy!

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am pickle obsessed and have tried pickling veggies myself a time or two. This book is stunning with its bright and colorful illustrations. I do kind of wish it had actual photos of the pickled items, but I am not completely disappointed with the drawings because they truly were beautifully done.

One of my favorite things this book has is the pickle facts! It's such fun.

As for the recipes themselves, they are presented nicely, and you have quite a range to choose from. Whether you're looking for variety in type of veggie or flavor profile, there is a pickle in here for every taste bud.

I am looking forward to trying some of these out!

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite possibly the most adorable pickle cookbook ever. The illustrations are so cute! The recipes sound fantastic and have easy to follow instructions for new pickle makers like me. I also loved the pickle facts sprinkled throughout the book!

Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the advance copy!

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Pickles, Illustrated: A Cookbook of 36 Recipes and Briny Miscellany by Karen Solomon
Rating: 4.5/5

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Overview
Pickles, Illustrated: A Cookbook of 36 Recipes and Briny Miscellany by Karen Solomon (with illustrations by Alice Oehr) is a visually captivating and approachable guide to the world of pickling. Blending practical recipes with charming artwork, this book caters to both beginners and experienced picklers. With a curated selection of 36 recipes and engaging “briny miscellany,” it offers a delightful mix of tradition and innovation.

Strengths
User-Friendly and Well-Organized
Solomon’s expertise in pickling is evident in the clarity of her instructions. Each recipe is straightforward, with step-by-step guidance that makes the process accessible even to novices. The inclusion of helpful tips—such as pairing suggestions and historical notes—adds depth without overwhelming the reader.

Stunning Visual Design
Alice Oehr’s illustrations elevate the book beyond a standard cookbook. The vibrant, playful artwork not only enhances the reading experience but also aids in understanding techniques like spice blending and jar preparation. The visual approach aligns with modern cookbook trends, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Diverse and Creative Recipes
The book balances classic pickles (like dill cucumbers) with global inspirations, including Japanese tsukemono and Indian chutneys. This variety ensures that readers can explore different flavor profiles while still mastering foundational techniques.

Practical for Modern Cooks
Unlike exhaustive preservation guides, Pickles, Illustrated emphasizes quick pickles and small batches, making it ideal for home cooks with limited time or space. The focus on simplicity ensures that even busy readers can enjoy homemade pickles without extensive effort.

Weaknesses
Limited Depth for Advanced Picklers
With only 36 recipes, the book may feel too brief for those seeking comprehensive fermentation techniques. Readers looking for in-depth discussions on long-term fermentation or scientific aspects may need to supplement with additional resources.

Minimal Scientific Explanation
While the recipes are safe and well-tested, Solomon avoids delving into the microbiology of fermentation. Those interested in the science behind pickling might find this lack of detail disappointing.

Comparative Perspective
Compared to dense, technical pickling manuals, Pickles, Illustrated stands out for its accessibility and visual appeal. It serves as a perfect middle ground between quick online recipes and exhaustive preservation guides, making it an excellent choice for casual picklers and design enthusiasts alike.

Final Verdict
Pickles, Illustrated is a charming, well-crafted introduction to pickling that balances practicality with creativity. Its engaging design and clear instructions make it a joy to use, earning it a 4.5/5. While advanced picklers may crave more depth, this book is an excellent resource for beginners and anyone who appreciates beautifully illustrated cookbooks.

Highly recommended for home cooks, food enthusiasts, and fans of visually driven culinary guides.

[Pattie Tierney · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who’s admittedly swayed by a cookbook’s visual charm, “Pickles, Illustrated” stole my heart the moment I laid eyes on its adorable pickle imagery and clean, inviting design. This isn’t just a pretty face, though—it’s packed with 36 high-quality recipes that make pickling accessible and fun, from classic kosher dills to quirky creations like Green Strawberry Salsa. The bright illustrations elevate the experience, turning each page into a visual treat that’s as delightful as the recipes themselves. For a visual person like me, this book strikes the perfect balance between eye candy and practical, inspiring content.

I dove right in with the Cinnamon Clove Pickled Peaches and Fresh Apple Chutney, and let me tell you, they were absolute winners! The peaches had this warm, spiced sweetness that paired beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, while the chutney added a tangy-sweet kick to my cheese board. The recipes are clearly written, with thoughtful details like the best salt to use and the four pickling methods—quickles, refrigerator pickles, fermentation, and salt-curing—making it easy for both beginners and seasoned preservers to succeed. I’m already eyeing the whole cranberry pickle recipe for Thanksgiving, and if it’s anything like what I’ve tried, it’ll be a game-changer for my holiday table.

What sets this book apart is its playful vibe and cultural tidbits, like the history of Kimchi Day in Korea or the quirky tradition of pickle holiday ornaments. It’s not just a cookbook; it’s a celebration of pickle culture that’s as fun to read as it is to cook from. Whether you’re a pickle fanatic, a charcuterie enthusiast, or just someone looking to add more gut-friendly ferments to your diet, this book is a gem. It’s the kind of cookbook you’ll proudly display on your coffee table, flip through for inspiration, and gift to every foodie friend who shares your love for all things briny and delicious.

I received an advanced digital copy from Netgalley and exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited to have received an ARC of this book!

I love pickles. Dill Pickles, Pickle Chips, Fried Pickles, Pickle Juice, the list goes on and on. I'm actually kind of snobby about pickles too, unless I'm getting a pickle from a concession stand. While I have a standard I prefer in pickles, concession stand pickles are one of my guilty pleasures, since I know they are a lower quality pickle. Going over the basics of pickling at the beginning of the book got me excited for the rest of this book. I have been wanting to learn to pickle (and can) and have at least 3 cucumber plants growing in my backyard garden.

The first recipe is pickled brussels sprouts, which like pickles. I love brussels sprouts. The illustrations are cute. I'm normally a girl who loves actual pictures of the food from the recipes, but since this is a book on pickling, the doodles don't bother me. I actually think they give me the book a lot of character and are representative of how the book was written.

I'm definitely interested in the Preserved Lime Pickle. It sounds like an interesting thing to try. Some of the other recipes, like Chow Chow, I was familiar with, as this is something a lot of southern families serve. The Green Strawberry Salsa sounds amazing too, which I'm growing strawberries and tomatillos in my garden too. The Dilly Pickled Green Beans would be a really cute homemade gift with some bloody mary mix. The mixture of recipes by countries and cultures is cool too. It's not just telling you how to do something, but it's origin story. I love Kimchi and Different types of curry, so having these available within the book, really adds to my approval of the book. The pickle facts are fun too, like the "Christmas Pickle" which I was actually familiar with it.

Overall, this is a cute and unique cookbook. Definitely something that any pickled food fan would love.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Pickles, Illustrated on a whim. My husband loves pickes, and they have become something of a Christmas tradition in our family. It started with a small pickle ornament and snowballed into pickle-themed gifts underneath the tree labeled from "Pickle Claus" along with salt and vinegar left on a plate for the anthropomorphized Big Curcubit himself on the night before Christmas.

Anyhow, this was a very cute illustrated cookbook-slash-storybook about various kinds of pickles. With recipes for dishes I remember from my grandmother's house (how have I not thought about Chow Chow in 20 years?) to recipes inspired by fermentation around the world, there is something for every tastebud. I would take away a half star given the nontraditional formatting of the recipe (the ingredients are bolded in paragraph text), but it still retains readability and most of the recipes are simple enought to follow. I will also say that the information is not enough to safely can some of these recipes for long-term storage, so pair with something like the Ball Blue Book if you are planning to use any of these for long-term storage.

My absolute favorite part of the book are the pickle stories sprinkled throughout. While there are only a few, they provide a nice break from the recipes themselves and give some context to the rest of the book. The illustrations are also a nice touch, not always the most realistic, but whimsical in a way that underscores the recipes instead of detracts from them.

Overall, a 4.5/5 for a cute book that may end up being a gift from Pickle Clause underneath the tree this year!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an eARC of this book!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love pickled food! I’m a sucker for all kinds of pickles and pickled onions. I came across this pickling cookbook and had to check it out. This is a very simple recipe book for so many vegetables and some fruit that you can pickle. Some items I never thought about pickling like green beans, peaches, and cranberries. I decided to try pickling green beans. The recipe was easy to follow, although I did have to look up what they meant by putting tender but crispy green beans in my jar. I found out that means to blanch the green beans by cooking for 3-7 mins and then plunging into an ice bath. This part wasn’t in the recipe, and I’m not sure if others would think to look up what they meant. Other than that, it was very straightforward and took little time to prepare.

There is a recipe for pickled cranberries, but unfortunately I was not successful in finding fresh cranberries, although after asking one supermarket they did inform me they should be arriving soon for the season. I plan to make those as I think they would be great to have on hand for sandwiches this fall.

There is also a cinnamon clove pickled peach recipe that sounds like it would be delicious on ice cream. Some other recipes you can find are, ceviche, pickled red onion, sauerkraut, green strawberry salsa, pickled shrimp, apple chutney, kimchi, green mango pickle, and of course a different pickle recipes.

[Ruth Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the cookbook I never knew I needed. I loved riding on, as the author says, “The great pickle highway.” She includes information of tools needed, or rather not needed; and she even mentions tips that would have never crossed my mind. Like, not all salt is created equal… who woulda thunk. I really like that she gives the reader/cook methods to make pickles that have a lot of wiggle room. I have the freedom to combine different flavor profiles, make them a certain level of tenderness, and pick out how strong I want the flavors. This is good info for a newb pickler. It is not written in a classic recipe style which is a bit disorienting, but I kind of like how that forces me to read everything before I plow in. Also, watermelon rind pickles? Wow, what a concept. I really enjoy her pickle facts sprinkled throughout the book. I find that some of these recipes are not “authentic” per se. Having lived in Asia, some of the Asian ones aren’t what you’d necessarily taste there, but still fun and delicious. Lastly, there is a decent range of common, easy to find ingredients versus specialty ingredients that you’d have to go out of your way to find. After testing out her recipes it’s nice to have “fresh” pickles.

[Courtney Leonhardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you know me, you know I love pickles or basically anything that lives in vinegar. I love that this book first details the different types of picking from quick pickles to fermentation before jumping into the recipes themselves. The extra information about the pickling process and pickles themselves throughout the book is also nice.

I do wish the formatting was slightly different and it’s my only reason for rating this 4 stars instead of 5. I would have preferred a separate ingredient list somewhere on the page instead of needing to read through the recipe to spot all the ingredients, although that is made easier by the ingredients at least being presented in a bold font and underlined. I can acknowledge my dislike of the formatting is a uniquely me problem that does not affect the actual recipes themselves.

I grew up with a dad who pickled a lot of different vegetables, but I love that there’s some more unique recipes in this book. I’ll have to buy him a hard copy of this book for his birthday on it’s release date because I know he’ll love trying a lot of these recipes out.

(Pickled Green Beans are life and if you don’t agree you’re wrong!)

Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[QuirkyTofurkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five—infinite?—pickled stars!

As something of a pickle connoisseur, I was immediately drawn to this book for... obvious reasons. I’ve never attempted to make my own pickles—my talents have always leaned more toward enthusiastic consumption—but after reading this, I’m ready to dive into the brine. The canning supplies are already in my Amazon cart.

The quirky charm of the illustrations completely won me over. Not only is the book visually adorable (I’m genuinely considering framing a few pages), but it’s also organized in a way that feels practical and unintimidating. I fully plan to purchase a physical copy and display it proudly—maybe on my coffee table, maybe on a shrine dedicated to fermented delights.

Also: how have I gone this long without knowing I could be feeding pickle juice to my hydrangeas? I feel like I owe my plants a heartfelt apology and a crunchy little treat.

I’d recommend this book to anyone—even the pickle-averse. It’s charming, informative, and just downright fun.

Thank you to NetGalley, Chronicle Books, and Karen Solomon for the absolute privilege of receiving this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Anastey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley, Chronicle Books, and Karen Solomon for sending me this advanced review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily

I never knew there were so many different types of pickles!

I adore the illustrations in this book. They are so bright and fun, and the vintage vibe was perfect.

The main types of pickles we learned about were quick pickles, refrigerator pickles, fermented, and salt cured. I appreciate that it was so much more than just cucumbers. There were pickled brussel sprouts, cabbage, seafood, and a ton of other fruits and veggies as well.

I love how it was separated into sections, like sour, savory-ish, sweet-ish, and spicy-ish. It made it so much easier to find the flavor of pickle that I would want. There are pickles from all over the world, and I want to make all of them.

The pickle facts were really entertaining, and I am always ready to learn some tips and tricks.

Overall this is a really great book, and I think a beginner cook could tackle any of these recipes. This would make a fun gift, and is pretty enough to sit on your coffee table too.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I was curious to read this new book on pickling and fermenting because that's one area of canning and preserving I haven't done much with beyond my mother's and MIL's pickle recipes. Even though there are only 36 recipes, there's a wide variety from pickled brussel sprouts to making your own kimchi. One thing I thought was weird was that pickling watermelon is mentioned in the book, but the author did not provide a recipe for that.

The book also has tidbits about pickling and various uses for using pickle brine--do not just dump it down the drain. It has many uses.

As for the recipe format, I did not like it. Instead of a list of ingredients at the top of the page in bullet point style, they are listed in the text of instructions, which makes it harder to read. The ingredients were in bold in the paragraphs, but I usually scan the list of ingredients first to see if I have everything on hand, and the way this book is written, I have to read the whole recipe in order to find out if it's worth my time.

[Bailey Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful book is full of recipes for pickled and fermented foods of all kinds. Many of the recipes are for things I have encountered and loved in the different countries I've lived in or visited, and still others are completely new to me! There's a good variety of flavour profiles and recipes that take different amounts of time to prepare/ferment/pickle. Many of these are ready to eat in an hour or less, others take just a few minutes of prep work to get ingredients into jars to ferment/pickle. The choice to use illustrations for the images instead of photos lends a modern feel and whimsy and makes this an attractive book. It also includes pickle facts which are interesting and sometimes describe different ways to employ the things you're making.

I am trying out some of the recipes for which I have the ingredients this weekend. I'll post an update once I've been able to try the results.

The prep work for the brussels sprouts was simple. These have to sit for several days.

Prep work for the daikon radish with fresh lemon is a bit more involved, but not too complex and the flavour after a few hours is very promising.

[Lisa Brooke Reads Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pickles, Illustrated is a delightful and creative cookbook that brings personality to pickling! Karen Solomon makes what could be an intimidating process feel approachable and fun. The illustrations give it a playful, almost comic-style flair, making flipping through the pages a joy.

There’s a great mix of traditional recipes (classic dills, bread & butter, spicy carrots) and more adventurous options like pickled cherries and preserved lemon rinds. I loved that it includes quick pickling and longer fermentation options, so you can try something fast or dive in.

The tone is casual and witty, making it more like a conversation with a quirky, pickle-loving friend than a stuffy instructional guide. It loses one star only because some recipes assume a bit of previous kitchen know-how, and a few measurements weren’t as precise as I would have liked—but nothing a little trial and error couldn’t fix.

Overall, this vibrant, unique cookbook is perfect for anyone who wants to play with flavors and experiment with pickling beyond the basics. It’s now a favorite on my kitchen shelf!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Hannah Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Chronicle Books for this eARC.

This has to be one of the prettiest cook books. I loved the feel of the writing and the art. It felt like we were at a farmers market stall learning about their pickles and how they make them. The bunting on the tops of the pages and the cartoon, but still detailed drawings were some highlights of the book. The pickle facts were interesting and not lengthy at all. I found myself looking forward to reading them when they showed up.
I feel like a good range of recipes were mentioned, and there is a type of pickle here that anyone could make.
The recipes are easy to follow, I was unsure of the formatting not being traditional, but you have no issue reading the ingredients and the instructions at all. It makes it feel more laid back and fun. The ingredients used were 95% easy ones to find for most people. A few specialty ones mentioned, but most could be bought online probably. I am definitely making some of these recipes and I am so happy I picked this up.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I checked before requesting, and knew this was a different publisher, but from the cover and the title, I was hoping for a GN cookbook more like Let's Make Ramen!: A Comic Book Cookbook and friends. It's not, it's just a cookbook with illustrations instead of photos. The art is cute, but not a reason alone to purchase the book. It's also weird as a cookbook, in that the ingredients are listed separately, only emphasized in-text.

I'm not a pickle fan and with my autoimmune deal, fermented foods are a strict no, so I requested this only to look at it-- I enjoy a cookbook read. The recipes seem to make sense and are simple for home cooks with no canning experience. All are stable in the fridge for a period of 2-8+ weeks, so this is a good choice for pickle wannabes not yet up to canning.

eARC from NetGalley.

[Kate Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy for this review. The illustrative nature of this book is really cute and aesthetically pleasing, some of the recipe artwork I would happily display in my kitchen. I do wish, however there were photographs of some of the recipes for reference… it would be helpful to see the size and shape of certain preparations, knife work just to make sure we’re getting the full experience. I also wish that the recipes were written in a traditional manner with ingredients and quantities at the beginning. I feel like that makes for a simpler mise en place when preparing one of the recipes. All that being said, I did prepare some of the brines just for simple refrigerator pickle versions and found the recipes to be varied enough to be interesting and interesting enough to be “ a newer take” on a very traditional condiment/side dish. I think this book could definitely be a good addition to my collection!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, this book is absolutely gorgeous. The design is playful and bright, and every page feels like a piece of art I would hang around my house.

As someone who would call themselves an intermediate pickler, I appreciated that the book is accessible enough if you’re new to pickling, but still fresh and interesting for anyone with more experience. I loved the range of flavors and styles, especially the inclusion of global recipes. The torshi and curtido especially caught my eye, and it was cool to see how pickling connects so many different cultures. The little pickle facts throughout the book were a fun bonus, too!

Whether you’re just getting into pickling or have been doing it for years, Pickles, Illustrated would make a beautiful and useful addition to any cookbook shelf.

Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pickles, Illustrated talks about all things pickles from the various ways to pickle foods to the reasoning. I will say I've read other pickling cookbooks that are a little more comprehensive, but if you have some past experience pickling than this would be a good book to get more inspiration.

The Sections are
Sour-ish
Savory-ish
Sweet-ish
Spicy-ish

Each recipe is written in paragraph form with the ingredients implemented into the paragraph. I will say that this style can be a little more diffuclt t follow along for me personally versus bullet points. Although I do enjoy the drawing style photos to add character to a cookbook; I prefer to see a photograph of the dish and the drawings just for added flair on the section pages.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a somewhat misleading title, as that there are no pictures. At least that’s what I expected. But there are many drawings throughout the book, some reminiscent of the recipes they are in the middle of. But I don’t read books for the pictures, drawn or otherwise. And I read cookbooks for the recipes! There were 36 recipes for sweet pickles, savory pickles, spicy pickles, international pickles, and even a salmon recipe.

I would recommend Pickles, Illustrated to anyone that likes pickled foods in a variety of flavors. It has a lot of recipes that I can’t wait to hit the farmer’s market to make some of the quick pickles and some of the fermented veggies just calling my name. I do wish there were actual pictures of the different pickles in their natural beauty, but it would definitely not make me ignore the book.

[Anna (annareadit) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m absolutely in love with Pickles, Illustrated.

This is a beautiful illustrated cookbook about pickling, featuring 36 recipes and fun facts. The recipes sound absolutely delicious — I definitely want to try them! Even if you’re not into pickling, you still need this book — the vibrant, detailed illustrations alone make it worth it.

I’d highly recommend it to illustrators or anyone who loves collecting visually stunning books. If you appreciate beautiful artwork and bold color combinations, this one’s a must-have. Honestly, the illustrations gave me a bit of a visual orgasm 😏

Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

I have made the decision to give making pickles a try this summer so when I saw this book I had to give it a look. It's a great book for people with some background in pickling but for a newbie like me I found some of the recipes to be a bit over my head. Especially as some of the recipes called for items I have never heard of and would have a difficult time tracking down. I was also hoping for more recipes for typical types of pickles. One thing I really liked about this book was all of the super creative ideas packed inside. When I get some more experience and confidence I will definitely be giving this book another look!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book easy to read. The illustrations are charming, and I enjoyed the interesting pickle facts scattered throughout. My sole critique lies in the recipe format. Typically, ingredients are listed before the directions, allowing for easy gathering of ingredients before starting the recipe. While the ingredients were well-marked, bold, and colored green, this format isn't as intuitive or user-friendly. That being said, most of the ingredients listed in the book are readily available in your typical grocery store, and I already had many of them on hand. There were only a few recipes that included some potentially harder to find ingredients. I received this as an ARC, and this is my honest review of the book.

[Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel silly giving 5 stars to an illustrated book about pickles, but this totally exceeded my expectations!

The title is deceiving, as there are actually few pickle recipes in here, and more recipes on other foods that you can pickle too, which was a. big plus for me. In between, there were cute and colorful illustrations, as well as pages of "pickle facts" about the history of pickles and pickling-related things, which were quite interesting.

I also think this book is friendly for young chefs, and plan to have my middle schooler read it and see if it inspires her to try making her own pickles too.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Chronicle Books for a digit copy of this cookbook in exchange for. my honest feedback.

[Alyssa Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this super cute cookbook!

Pickles, Illustrated: A Cookbook of 36 Recipes and Briny Miscellany by Karen Solomon is a fun and refreshingly non-traditional take on a cookbook. While many cookbooks feature perfectly styled dishes and meticulously organized steps, this one offers something different—playful recipes paired with beautiful illustrations, interesting PICKLE facts, and personal reflections sprinkled throughout.

As a fan of random trivia, I loved learning new pickle facts along the way. I’ve been wanting to get into pickling for a while, and several of these recipes are now on my must-try list.

I’ll definitely be grabbing a copy when it comes out in September!