A Williams-Sonoma Agrarian Giveaway

I started Punk Domestics because I saw a growing trend of people turning back to traditional homesteading domestic arts, and I wanted to inspire the curious into action. The trend has surely continued to grow. Preserving, canning, backyard chickens (heck, even backyard goats) have all become commonplace, and people are ever looking for the next challenge. Last year home charcuterie had its moment in the sun with the Charcutepalooza challenge, and I see a marked increase in interest in cheese making and lactofermentation. 

It's small wonder, then, that awareness of this trend has leapt from blogs to mainstream media, and on into the commercial sector. We have brick-and-mortar operations like the Portland Homesteading Store and online shops dedicated to the topic, like FARMcurious. But you know you've reached the bigtime when the grande dame of culinary retailers stands up and takes notice. 

This year, Williams-Sonoma unleashed an expansive product line geared toward the homesteader set, Agrarian. I've had the opportunity to spend some time with the products in this line, and an pleased to say that it is a carefully curated collection of items that truly inspire. (Disclosure: I have done some copywriting for Williams-Sonoma, including for the Agrarian line. Williams-Sonoma has provided the products for the giveaway.)

The collection is great if you want to Martha up your homestead. You can, for example, purchase a truly gorgeous chicken coop and handmade garden beds and planters if you're not wired to build your own (like me). You can dive right in with beekeeping with a wooden hive and starter kit. And they've got heirloom seeds and artisan goat milk soap from our pals over at Beekman 1802 (true Martha protegés themselves). 

But I am particularly excited for their line of canning supplies. I'm often asked about how to find jars that stand out from the Ball/Kerr norm. Of course a popular choice is Weck, of which they carry several styles. But Williams-Sonoma has exclusively brought in British brand Kilner jars. These use a standard two-part lid, just like Ball, but the jars have a slightly more stately profile, with slight shoulders to allow for better packing. They also have jars with clip tops, not recommended for water bath canning, but ideal for storing dry goods or jams, pickles or condiments you will store in the fridge. 

And then there is this jam pan. I know many who swoon over the marvelous copper pans like the pros use, and to be sure they're excellent tools. But the Kilner pan is stainless steel, with a generous capacity and markings on the inside to gauge your yield. Its proportions are great, with a wide top to allow you to cook off excess moisture easily and get your jams to temperature quickly. And, it's cheaper than the copper pan. A lot. 

I want this pan, but I'm a giver, so I'm going to give one to you. Here's what you need to do: 

Easy, right? One lucky pinner will win this marvelous pan.  Entries are closed for this giveaway.

But wait, what about those gorgeous jars? Oh yes, I am also giving away four-piece set of both the 1-liter preserving jars and 1-liter clip-top jars, plus a set of handsome tags and cords and recipe cards. Just click here to tweet about this post or pin this post for a chance at winning this great bunch of goodies. Again, you must do this by midnight on Thursday, July 12. Entries are closed for this giveaway.

Wow! We had an amazing 99 boards and 108 tweets and pins for these two giveaways. Congratulations to our winners: Lisa Cardoza, board #52, is the lucky winner of the jam pan, and tweeter @wifemeetslife, entrant #2, wins the jars and tags. Huzzah!

For the months of July and August, Williams-Sonoma is also running free DIY classes in their stores, starting this weekend. Find a store near you, and call to confirm the class will be available at that location. Then go out and get inspired to put something up! Here's the schedule of events: 

DIY Canning: The Basics - July 8
Join us for Canning 101! Learn the fundamentals of canning, from preparing foods for canning to using the water bath method. Then we’ll teach you how to make a mixed fruit jam that you can enjoy in the cold of winter.

DIY Canning: Tomato Sauce and Salsa - July 22
While nothing tastes as good as a warm tomato just picked from the plant, nothing is as satisfying as opening a jar of tomato sauce made with tomatoes from your garden or the farmers’ market. We’ll teach you step-by-step how to prepare tomato sauce and a piquant salsa using fresh summer ingredients, and then how to can them. It’s the perfect way to make the most of a bumper crop of tomatoes!

Canning: Pickles & Relishes - August 12
What could be better than crisp and tangy pickled vegetables made from your own garden’s bounty and canned in your own kitchen? A creative way to enjoy summer produce, pickled vegetables are wonderful as side dishes, in salads and more. Relishes also add a special touch to our plates. Learn how to combine sweet and sour to make delicious relishes that are great accompaniments to grilled meats and cheeses. This class will cover the basics: what pickling means, how to make pickling spice and how create your own favorite flavors for relishes.

DIY Grinding Your Own Grains - August 26
Grinding your own grains is a simple process that provides many advantages – it’s economical and healthful and also inspires culinary creativity. Learn how easy it is to grind grains at home and enjoy a variety of recipes from award-winning Chef Dan Barber of Blue Hill Restaurant, including gluten-free corn pancakes, creamy farina “risotto” and more.