Have you heard of the newest food craze called food swapping? The premise is you make real food, and bring it to swap with real food that others make, thereby increasing the real food in your own kitchen, and reducing food waste. It's an all around win for everyone.

I heard of food swapping a couple of years ago, and did a little research but no one was food swapping near me. Yes, I could start my own, but I'm not exactly an organized individual (though I'm better now then I was a few years ago).

When I saw this book in netgalley, I knew I had to read it! I hadn't thought of food swapping since that initial interest a few years ago.

The book not only explains what food swapping is and why you should do it, but the author Emily Paster makes a point of pointing out who shouldn't food swap - whether it's because you are uncomfortable with a non-chef person making your food or because of food allergies. I love the fact that Paster is just so up front and honest about something she's obviously so passionate about.

The food is filled with gorgeous photos and tales of how much fun food swapping can be, and explains that it's also a social event and a great opportunity to learn new things - by talking to a canner, for example, you realize that water bath canning isn't as scary as you once thought.

Most of the book talks about starting your own swap, but various food swaps throughout the country are also highlighted throughout the book, including my somewhat-local Boston food swap.

The last section of the book includes many recipes, which includes suggested portion sizes for swapping. There's a variety of recipes here, from savory to sweet, and include easy ideas for beginner swappers to make like flavored salts and sugars.