My latest fermentation project is Moroccan preserved lemons, and I'm obsessed. They add a touch of the exotic to regular everyday dishes, and let's be honest, who doesn't need more exotic in the dead of winter? Winter is citrus season to be sure. One of my favorite February treats is the fresh Meyer lemons that recently started appearing … [Read more...]
Pickle Extravaganza
One of the things I miss most while on The Big Trip, is canning and preserving in my kitchen at home. I have the preservation bug! I think it is a derivative of my nesting instinct -- I always want to be harvesting and putting up food to use during the cold winter. My problem is finding time to actually use everything I preserve! Anyone want … [Read more...]
Italian Prune Plum Jam
I recently had canning weekend with my sister. We made all sorts of things, but one of the highlights was plum jam made with Italian prune plums. Prune plums are one of my favorite summer treats - I end up eating 4 or 5 of them per day when they're in the height of their season. I find them to have a more distinctive flavor than regular plums … [Read more...]
Lemon Ginger Apple Butter
I really love apples. There is something about the fall tradition of going out on a sunny day and visiting an orchard. It's actually probably the food Americans are most familiar with harvesting themselves. Way to start the trend apples! We recently went out and picked a ton of apples. I saved quite a few for eating as-is, and decided to try … [Read more...]
Freezing Tomatoes
There are so many options for preserving fresh summer tomatoes, but for me, freezing them can't be beat! My culinary-master aunt Jan opened my eyes to the world of freezing tomatoes and I have never looked back. I love to can. But, canning tomatoes freaks me out. The high risk of spoilage, food poisoning, and bursting jars doesn't sound good to … [Read more...]
Refrigerator Pickles
I love pickles! I've had good luck making big batches and officially canning them, but I also enjoy making small fresh batches to enjoy throughout the summer. Making small batches allows you to use whatever veggies you have and avoids the full canning process, which can be hot and daunting. I started two large ball jars in my fridge at the … [Read more...]
Garlic Scape Pesto
Garlic scapes are the fresh green spring growth of garlic plants. They have a wonderful mild garlicy flavor and can be used in many ways. My personal favorite is garlic scape pesto! I have made this at the beginning of the summer for the past few years and it always symbolizes the unfolding of delicious seasonal produce rituals. Take a moment … [Read more...]
