tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49305418811700760742023-11-15T12:19:19.583-06:00baby loves jelliesJonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-40502583663763220042009-08-20T09:30:00.002-05:002009-08-27T16:31:44.732-05:00Jalapeño Jelly.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">With all of my previous batches, I have avoided adding pectin to gel the preserves. While I like to think it is in an effort to keep my ingredients lists as short as possible, the honest truth is, recipes that call for citrus rind instead seem more natural. To be clear, there is nothing wrong with pectin. After all, it is most often extracted from dried citrus peels or apple pomace left over from juice production. Using what would otherwise be considered waste is never a bad thing. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;">This has been my rule for choosing recipes. Until now.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3838793862/" title="IMG_0419 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3838793862_99e11b344d_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0419" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I was drawn to this recipe because it calls for jalapeños - and only jalapeños. Seeds and all. The other "jalapeño" jelly recipes that I came across called for just as much, if not more, bell pepper. I went on adventure to the farmer's market on Airline the other day with my friend Erika, waiting for something to call out to me to be transformed into a tasty jelly. I wandered around mostly in awe of everything going on around me when, finally, I found the most beautiful jalapeños in whole world. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;">Jalapeño jelly came to mind instantly. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, fantasy;">They are certainly too beautiful and scarred up to be cut down with bell pepper. There was no way I can pass this recipe up - it is going to be fiery.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Jalapeño Jelly:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">12- 14 jalapeños.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">6 cups sugar.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 cups cider vinegar, divided.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 pouches liquid pectin.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Chop up all of the jalapeños and place them in a blender with one cup vinegar and liquify. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">CAUTION: The oils in peppers can cause burns. Do not touch your eyes or other sensitive areas after handling. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Combine the purée with the remaining vinegar and sugar in a dutch oven.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3838793798/" title="IMG_0410 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3426/3838793798_b454b5c7ab_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0410" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Boil for ten minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Stir in two pouches of liquid pectin. Return to heat and bring to a hard boil for one minutes more. Remove from heat.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ladle directly into hot, sterilized jars. Leave a quarter inch of headspace. Remove any air bubbles and be sure to wipe the rims clean. Lid directly and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Makes about 4 pints.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3838793824/" title="IMG_0414 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3469/3838793824_8ac13733d2_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0414" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I was right - I did not try very much, just touching my tongue to the spoon, and my mouth was on fire - I thought for sure I was going to have heartburn instantly. It was so hot and good I had to try more. Later, I tried more with some cream cheese on a fresh jalapeño bagel from <a href="http://thehotbagelshop.bravehost.com/">Hot Bagel Shop</a>. Pure bliss.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I love making new favorite things.</span></span></div></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-81256499384054335622009-08-14T16:46:00.001-05:002009-08-14T16:48:53.845-05:00baby loves mixtapes // volume 01<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande', fantasy;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3821276796/" title="0725090743 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/3821276796_68db9ffcf8_b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="0725090743" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;"><script language="JavaScript" src="http://home.comcast.net/~jonhopson/audio/audio-player.js"></script><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://home.comcast.net/~jonhopson/audio/player.swf" id="audioplayer1" height="24" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://home.comcast.net/~jonhopson/audio/player.swf"><param name="FlashVars" value="playerID=1&soundFile=http://files.me.com/jonhopson/urdjb2.mp3"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="menu" value="false"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></object></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Download </span><a href="http://files.me.com/jonhopson/urdjb2.mp3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Tracklist:</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">01</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">youth tunes // Little Girls</span></span></div></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">02</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">O</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">n</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">T</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">h</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">F</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">l</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">r // Family Portrait</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">03</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Green River // Real Estate</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">04</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Blessa // Toro Y Moi</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">05</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Walkabout (w/ Noah Lennox) // Atlas Sound</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">06</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">doki // friend</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">07</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Rain On Radio // Woods</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">08</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Bicycle Horrors Cosmic Dub // Memory Tapes</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">09</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sun Was High (So Was I) // Best Coast</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">10</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Be My Girl // Smith Westerns</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">11</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Good to Be // Magic Kids</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">12</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">More Stars Than There Are In Heaven // Yo La Tengo</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Well, I pulled it off. I think. Just in time for the weekend - here is volume one of what I hope becomes a regular fixture of the blog. Baby loves mixtapes. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So, sit back, relax, listen and love... oh , and let me know what you think.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-58992984190258035292009-08-13T13:52:00.005-05:002009-08-13T13:52:00.497-05:00Pear-athon continues: Ginger-Pear Marmalade.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>While the batches of pear preserves from last time were pretty fantastic, I was keen to expand upon the previous success by adding a new twist. This time I stumbled onto a bunch of red pears and a new, delicious sounding recipe.<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3815342125/" title="IMG_0385 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/3815342125_eb2544a4f9_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0385" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Ginger-Pear Marmalade:</div><div><br /></div><div>8-9 medium red pears.</div><div>2 1/3 cups sugar.</div><div>3 limes limes (zest and juice).</div><div>1 tablespoon grated ginger root.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3815342245/" title="IMG_0365a by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/3815342245_e563bc5fc4_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0365a" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Start by washing and peeling the pears, then quarter and core them. Set them aside. Next, zest three limes - I used a peeler and then sliced the peel into short thin strips. I like the color and texture these strips add to the jar. Now, juice the limes, discarding any seeds.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3815342285/" title="IMG_0377a by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3422/3815342285_33e55370b9_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0377a" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Combine pears, lime strips and juice, and sugar in a dutch oven. Grate the ginger in.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3816153292/" title="IMG_0385a by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2499/3816153292_0989d27836_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0385a" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently Boil until it begins to thicken - about 15 minutes or until you reach 222°.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3815342215/" title="IMG_0391a by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2594/3815342215_e49a8fc294_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0391a" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ladle directly into your hot, sterilized jars (it jells fast). Leave a quarter inch of headspace. Remove any air bubbles and be sure to wipe your rims clean. Lid directly and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Makes about 2 1/2 pints.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3815406223/" title="IMG_0398 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2596/3815406223_891f447a04_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0398" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I love ginger and the flavor it adds to the pears - I think this might be my new favorite batch.</div></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-29530472980800845152009-08-12T07:48:00.002-05:002009-08-12T07:48:00.192-05:00Pear-athon: Pear Preserves.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, -webkit-fantasy; white-space: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>A couple days ago </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">I got an email from a friend expressing his interest in learning how to make preserves, and as an incentive he offered to share a large box of pears, which he had collected from his parent's house. I was happy for the opportunity to share my new found passion with a friend for the first time, so I invited him over.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theadambaker/3806205301/" title="Pear by theadambaker, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/3806205301_0b61c2fc38.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Pears" /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span></div></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, fantasy; font-size: 16px; "><div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>He showed up with a beer box near full to the top with beautiful, fresh green pears. They were beautiful in all their irregularities. They were firm, smelled tart and earthy, and seemed perfect for preserving. Now I have to admit, I do not recall ever having had pear preserves before, but as pears are one of my favorite fruits, we could not possibly go wrong.</span></span></div></div></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Pear Preserves:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">6-8 medium pears.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2 1/2 cups water.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3 cups sugar.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1 lemon.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3813126065/" title="IMG_0141 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3813126065_d7a98d3043_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0141" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Start by washing and peeling the pears - be careful, they get pretty slippery. Now, quarter and core them. Place them in a large bowl and set aside. As thinly as possible slice a lemon into rounds and remove any seeds; set aside.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', -webkit-fantasy;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3813126039/" title="IMG_0138 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/3813126039_abeba9e5c2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0138" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Next, pour all of the water and half of the sugar into a dutch oven. Stir to mix and bring to a boil over medium heat. After two minutes, add the pear chunks and return to a boil. Be sure to stir often, it can stick fast. After about 15-20 minutes, add the remaining sugar and the lemon slices. The pears should just be softening at this point. As the pears softened I slowly began to chop them using my handy bamboo stirring spatula.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3813126087/" title="IMG_0154 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3813126087_d05f5ecf26_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0154" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Return the mixture to boil, this time over medium-high heat. Cook rapidly, stirring often, for another 25 minutes or so. The pears should be soft and fairly translucent and the liquid syrupy. Remove from heat.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>If it does not start to gel, you can return the batch to the stove for a hard re-boil. It should only take a few minutes more. This is not ideal but you can thicken your preserves this way.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ladle directly into hot, sterilized jars, leaving a quarter inch of headspace. Remove any air bubbles that might have formed and wipe the rims clean. Lid directly and process in a boiling water bath for ten minutes.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3813937080/" title="IMG_0172 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/3813937080_8dbfe67810_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0172" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Over a two evening run we made about eight batches, filling about 24 eight ounces and 20 four ounce jars. It was quite the marathon. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3813937136/" title="IMG_0247 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/3813937136_85f535f7b4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0247" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We ended up with a substantial amount of variation. The first batch was the most like the preserves I had made previously - soft fruit chunks in a substantial gel. One batch we near completely neglected right at the end - the sugar caramelized into a deep brown gel with a very distinct flavor. The last batch, we went for a double and it never seemed to reduce correctly, ending more like a fruit-in-syrup than preserves. Overall the flavor was sweet and tart and I was reminded of sour apple flavored candies from when I was young, albeit more natural tasting.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3813937114/" title="IMG_0213 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3514/3813937114_f8ef08a448.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0213" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>These two nights were the busiest and most tiring trials in home preserving I have experienced so far, and I tell you what, I slept like a baby afterwards.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div></div></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-51681619461646953222009-08-06T14:12:00.002-05:002009-08-09T19:11:03.520-05:00Peach Party Part 2: Jalapeño-peach preserves.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3792054519/" title="IMG_0058a by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/3792054519_d7b9b98b3d_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0058a" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">About a week ago, I was telling a couple friends about making preserves over drinks, when my friend Mandy told me about how her family always made j<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;">alapeño-peach jelly. It sounded really good, so I asked about their recipe, but she said that she did not have it. As I ended up buying about 10 pounds of peaches this past weekend, I set out to find a recipe of my own. As it turns out, I did not have to look very far - my mom had this one:</span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, fantasy;">Jalapeño-peach preserves:</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">8-10 medium, ripe peaches - peeled and quartered.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1/2 a medium orange - quartered, seeded, and thinly sliced (rind included).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2-3 jalapeños (seeds and all).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4 cups sugar.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3/4 cup clover honey.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1/4 teaspoon all-natural almond extract.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1/2 teaspoon of butter (optional).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">water.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Wash and peel your peaches. Quarter them and discard the pits. Place them in a dutch oven, adding the sugar and honey. Cover and let stand for about 45 minutes (no heat).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', -webkit-fantasy;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Lucida Grande';"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3792054559/" title="IMG_0064a by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/3792054559_6714f12866_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0064a" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In a food processor, combine the orange slices and jalapeños. Blend until finely chopped. Scrape into a medium saucepan and add an equal amount of water, about 2/3 of a cup. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat - simmer for about 10 minutes.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3792054535/" title="IMG_0061a by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3592/3792054535_7c42094e1e_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0061a" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Bring the peaches to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar has completely dissolved. Turn heat up to medium-high, and boil. Stir often.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3792867280/" title="IMG_0068a by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3792867280_a5776b0819_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0068a" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Add orange-jalapeño mixture, and return to boil for another 20-25 minutes or until you reach 222˚. At this point, the preserves were almost ready but they seemed overly foamy, so I added 1/2 teaspoon of butter, which helps cut it down some.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3792054637/" title="IMG_0083a by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3792054637_697941eae3_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0083a" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract. Ladle directly into your waiting hot, sterilized jars. Leave a quarter inch of headspace. Remove any air bubbles and and be sure to wipe the rims clean. Lid and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3795320927/" title="IMG_0192 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3795320927_b32f9e823c_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0192" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The resulting preserves were spicy, but not so spicy as to overpower the peach flavor. They retained a pleasant sweetness - I swear I could taste the honey. I sampled a bit on some stovetop toast sliced from a baguette I had on hand - as usual - but this time with a taste of cream cheese, which really made for a winning combination.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-81545699239640891702009-08-05T11:21:00.002-05:002009-08-05T11:27:23.093-05:00Peach Party: Crème fraîche peach pie.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">I ended up with ten pounds of peaches this weekend. They were cheap, fresh, and smelled absolutely amazing. I got them home and started digging for something to make. Without thinking too hard, I decided that a peach pie was a must. I have made many a peach pie, all the same recipe, and while they were always good, I really wanted to try something different. I flipped through my cookbooks and recipes, but was not finding what I wanted. When I remembered that, during a recent crème fraîche project, I had stumbled on this recipe in a back issue of Martha Stewart Living (I know, I know - it was not mine) and decided that it was right, if slightly modified.</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3788828451/" title="IMG_0051a by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3788828451_477d2d473d_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0051a" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">C</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">rè</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">m</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">F</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">î</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">P</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">P</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">P</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ie crust:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;">1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;">1 cold stick of butter, cubed.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 tablespoons sugar.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;">1 egg yolk.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;">ice water.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;">salt (optional).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Streusel:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1/2 cold stick of butter.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1/4 cup confectioners' sugar.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3 tablespoons all-purpose flour.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 teaspoon cinnamon.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Filling:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4 to 5 medium peaches.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 tablespoons sugar.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 tablespoon all-purpose flour.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">salt.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><a href="http://babylovesjellies.blogspot.com/2009/08/creme-fraiche.html">crème fraîche</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, fantasy;">.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> Be sure you have made your <span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; ">crème fraîche a couple days in advance. There is no substitute for time on this step.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Start by preparing your pie crust. You will need ice water, so fill a small bowl with ice cubes and add water. Set it aside. Now, in a large bowl, sift together the flour and sugar. If you are using unsalted butter, I recommend adding a pinch of salt now. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Cut in your cold butter. You can use a pastry blender - but a fork works just as well. Work it evenly, but stop when the meal becomes coarse - you do not want to over-blend your dough. Add the yolk and mix until just distributed. Next, add the ice water, starting with just two tablespoons worth. I only needed the two tablespoons, but you might need more - just be sure to add them one at a time. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>At this point I begin working the dough by hand in the bowl. Begin gathering the dough in the middle of the bowl. Once the dough begins to hold up, turn it out on your work surface, form it into a ball and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate it for at least one hour and no more than a couple days. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Now, the streusel. In a medium bowl, sift together the sugar, flour and cinnamon. Cut in the butter until the mix resembles course crumbs. Set them aside. You can make the streusel at the same time as you are preparing the dough - just cover with plastic and refrigerate.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>After the dough has chilled, prepare a floured work surface and roll it out. Often recipes specify a thickness (1/8 inch thick, for example), but this inevitably leads to dough waste. Instead, have your pie plate on hand and roll until it is about an inch and half larger in diameter (slightly more than 12 inches in diameter for a normal pie plate). Transfer to the plate and fold the excess around the rim under and crimp as you see fit. I fancy the more rustic and uneven look myself.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3788866969/" title="IMG_0099a by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3788866969_8399aa282c_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0099a" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Depending on how you feel about par-baking your crust, you could do that now. I admit I do it sometimes, but for this pie, I skipped it. Tune your oven to 375˚ for pre-heating.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3789638884/" title="IMG_0090a by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3491/3789638884_b74807f50d_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0090a" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Next, prepare the peaches. Thoroughly wash your peaches - especially if they are store bought. Slice them into eighths, discarding the pits and stems along the way. Place the slices in a medium bowl and sprinkle with the sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Toss ever so gently to distribute the goodness. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3788828391/" title="IMG_0097a by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3515/3788828391_e9ccffbf25_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0097a" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Time for assembly. Spread enough crème fraîche in the bottom of the pie crust to form a nice layer, about three tablespoons worth. Sprinkle with about one-third of your streusel crumbs. Fan out your peaches, filling any gaps in the pattern with more peaches. Do not be afraid to fill the shell as peaches to tend to cook way down in the oven. Spread another three tablespoons or so of crème fraîche on top and sprinkle with the remaining streusel.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3788828407/" title="IMG_0116a by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3788828407_da5cb57a64_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0116a" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Place it in the oven to bake. Check back in about 45 minutes - you are looking for golden streusel and bubbling crème fraîche. Place on a rack to cool for 15 minutes before serving.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3789638672/" title="IMG_0135a by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/3789638672_8576fc117b_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0135a" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The results are a pie which is not too sweet - more tart and savory and definitely not your every day peach pie. The crème fraîche sets up into an almost custard like consistency, which compliments the peaches perfectly - because of this, it is almost better the second day, when served cold, straight from the refrigerator.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>More peaches to come. That is all.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;">jon.</span></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-19661872980166074902009-08-04T16:02:00.003-05:002009-08-04T16:17:36.537-05:00Crème Fraîche.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>C<span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; ">rème fraîche is the Western European counterpart to the sour cream you find at your grocer. While it is very similar, the fat content is higher, it is a bit thicker, and the taste is richer and slightly more sour.</span></div> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Making your own </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">crème fraîche at home is easier than you might think. Here is an easy recipe - give it a try!</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, fantasy; ">Crème Fraîche:</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">/</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> cups heavy cream</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1/2 cup buttermilk</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Pour the cream and buttermilk into a jar or other sealable container. Shake the mixture and leave it to rest at room temperature for about eight hours. Then move it to the refrigerator for atleast 24 hours before using. It should thicken over time and peak at about 4-5 days.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>That is all.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">jon.</span></span></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-86847715725638698022009-08-03T13:31:00.002-05:002009-08-03T16:22:07.404-05:00baby loves mixtapes // vol. 00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-size:11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3648846294/" title="0610091735 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3648846294_2a1e3b4fc3_b.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="0610091735" /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, -webkit-fantasy; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">beach + _____ = summer</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, -webkit-fantasy; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Along with all of my other projects, </span>I have been looking for a way to share music with you on this blog, and now I feel like I have found a decent system and worked out most of the kinks. I think it is time for a test run.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, -webkit-fantasy; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I love making mixtapes. Sometimes I spend hours and days working on one, only to start over completely, and other times the tracks just fall together in minutes and I am done. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">This playlist got thrown together awhile back and had it on my ipod for a test listen. It sat neglected as an unfinished playlist but one day I needed something new. I liked it so much that I have not changed anything and have been listening to it for over a month straight. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I want to share it with you now - enjoy.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal; "><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://home.comcast.net/~jonhopson/audio/player.swf" id="audioplayer1" height="32" width="500"><br /><param name="movie" value="http://home.comcast.net/~jonhopson/audio/player.swf"><br /><param name="FlashVars" value="playerID=1&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x0066CC&track=0xbfdfff&border=0x666666&loader=0x77b3ee&loop=no&autostart=no&soundFile=http://files.me.com/jonhopson/qmtdp3.mp3,http://files.me.com/jonhopson/42s9zg.mp3,http://files.me.com/jonhopson/91mz7m.mp3,http://files.me.com/jonhopson/j9qa2u.mp3,http://files.me.com/jonhopson/ei1bsw.mp3,http://files.me.com/jonhopson/yq0v6z.mp3,http://files.me.com/jonhopson/o0vpae.mp3,http://files.me.com/jonhopson/8eu0w6.mp3,http://files.me.com/jonhopson/wtvd3a.mp3,http://files.me.com/jonhopson/7oomiq.mp3"><br /><param name="quality" value="high"><br /><param name="menu" value="false"><br /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><br /></object></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;">baby loves mixtapes // vol. 00</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">01 Dnttakemy Wingss Away - Islands</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">02 Weakest Part - Yo La Tengo</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">03 The Wisp - Simian</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">04 Dreamer - Tiny Vipers</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">05 Earthly Bodies - J. Tillman</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">06 Beach on the Moon (Recycled Lyrics) - Kurt Vile</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">07 Two - The Antlers</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">08 Talamak - Toro y Moi</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">09 Freeway - Kurt Vile</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">10 Sun Was High (So Was I) - Best Coast</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;">***</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Look for volume one in the near future. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">That is all.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">jon.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-62315156102717251412009-07-31T12:16:00.005-05:002009-08-09T20:11:05.495-05:00Spicy Blueberry-Citrus Marmalade.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Well, I have received two requests for a specific jelly flavor combinations. The first was Jalapeño Peach jelly, requested by my friend Mandy (which I will make soon). </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This is the second: </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3769692074/" title="IMG_9923 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2478/3769692074_cda2e7858a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_9923" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Spicy Blueberry-Citrus Marmalade:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 valencia orange.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 meyer lemon.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 persian lime.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 cups of water.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 cups of sugar.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 cups fresh blueberries.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Start by thoroughly scrubbing your citrus, especially if you are using store bought fruit. This is important because we will be using the skin for this recipe, and you do not want anything disturbing the natural flavors.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Next, you want to cut the rinds from the orange, lemon, and lime from the fruit in thin strips. I used a normal peeler, which worked well and made for irregular strips - which is nice. Set the strips aside.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Slice the citrus trio in half and use a reamer to extract as much juice and pulp as you can and set aside. Be sure to remove any seeds from the juice. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3768887545/" title="IMG_9936 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2676/3768887545_fae6b9b47d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_9936" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">In a dutch oven, bring two cups of water the citrus strips and red pepper flakes to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the rinds a tender. At 25 minutes, mine ended up on the firm side of tender - which I really liked.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Start your jars to sterilizing in a boiling water bath.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3769686884/" title="IMG_9940 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/3769686884_7d616068b4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_9940" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Now add your blueberries, sugar, and citrus juice and pulp to the pot. Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring often (222˚F). After about 15 minutes it should start getting syrupy. Remove from heat and if any foam has formed skim it off - foam can have adverse effects of headspace if you are canning the marmalade.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Ladle directly into hot, sterilized jars (it jells fast). Leave a quarter inch of headspace. Remove any air bubbles and be sure to wipe our rims clean. Lid directly and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3769686814/" title="IMG_9948 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/3769686814_c151b10412.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_9948" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I had some left over, so I quickly threw some french bread on the stove for toast and spread it over. I really love the consistency - the blueberries spread like preserves. I was also impressed by the flavor. It is tangy, and more tart than sweet, and finishes with a pleasant burn in the back of your mouth after you swallow. Success tastes sweet.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3769686782/" title="IMG_9965 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/3769686782_b8fbfaf719.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_9965" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">That is all.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">jon.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">p.s. if anyone has any requests...</span></div></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-24727465436518044452009-07-30T09:28:00.000-05:002009-07-30T09:28:00.451-05:00Creamy Cucumber Salad.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> I am a big fan of creamy salads, pickled foods, and dill. So, with two pounds of nice hothouse cucumbers looking for something to turn into and some fresh homemade yogurt, I worked up a wonderful, cool summer salad.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3770621337/" title="IMG_9960 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/3770621337_5f3e55ebc6.jpg" width="499" height="333" alt="IMG_9960" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Cucumber Salad:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4 hothouse cucumbers.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2 small red onions.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4 cups plain yogurt (I used </span></span><a href="http://babylovesjellies.blogspot.com/2009/07/yogurt.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">mine</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1 cup sour cream.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2 tablespoons white wine vinegar</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1/2 cup fresh dill.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">freshly ground black pepper.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">kosher salt.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds and the red onions into half rounds - I used a mandolin. In a bowl, mix the cucumber and red onion slices with 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt. Dump the mixture into a colander and suspend it over the bowl. The salt pulls out some moisture and starts pickling the vegetables. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Pour the yogurt into a cheesecloth lined sieve and suspend over a bowl - this thickens the yogurt by removing some of the liquid. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Cover both and put them in the fridge overnight. Discard any liquid that forms in the bowls.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">When the cucumbers and onions are ready, roll them into a clean kitchen towel and press to remove any remaining liquid. Place them in a large bowl and add the yogurt, sour cream, vinegar, and minced dill. Toss together and refrigerate for a couple hours to let the flavors mingle. Serve chilled and add salt and pepper to taste.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The resulting salad is a crisp and tangy treat, perfect for a hot summer day. So, make it and enjoy because it is hot out there.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>That is all.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">jon.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-78638823826409424972009-07-29T09:28:00.002-05:002009-07-29T09:57:41.311-05:00Yogurt.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Keeping the fermentation going. Inspired by my friend Amy's failed batch and a fellow food blogger's </span></span><a href="http://innajam.blogspot.com/2009/07/yogurt.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">recipe</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> , I decided to try my hand at yogurt making on Sunday.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Now, my knowledge of yogurt is limited to what I like and I certainly have never made my own, but the recipe seemed too straight forward to not try:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"A quart of milk + half a cup of good yogurt + heat + time = </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Two pints of homemade yogurt!"</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3768503787/" title="IMG_9908 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3463/3768503787_4a9409085b.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_9908" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I chose Promised Land Reduced Fat 2% Milk and for the yogurt I used White Mountain Bulgarian Premium Whole Milk Yogurt. Go Texan!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">The blogger continues:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"I just heated the milk to 170</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">º F, cooled it down to 112º F, added the yogurt starter, and poured the mixture into warm jars. I left the jars full of pre-yogurt soaking in hot water (108-112ºF) inside a cooler (with a meat thermometer keeping track of the temperature... <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, fantasy;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I added more hot </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">water when it cooled below 108º F). 6 hours later - yogurt! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Following these directions, I also ended up with two pints of yogurt. The consistency is not quite as thick as the original but the taste is the same. Yum!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3768457977/" title="IMG_9983 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3768457977_1effb5a944.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_9983" /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I think I will look out for ways to improve on my results (maybe less milk, maybe whole). Perhaps I will try a different starting yogurt - though this one is my favorite. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">That is all.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">jon</span>.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-66587327306237998632009-07-26T10:58:00.006-05:002009-07-26T18:59:06.926-05:00Brining cucumbers.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I have really been feeling good about all of my food-based projects. I enjoy all of the researchand experimentation I have been doing - and with resources like:</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"></span></span><a href="http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/index.html</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">and </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><a href="http://www.fao.org/docrep/x0560e/x0560e00.htm">http://www.fao.org/docrep/x0560e/x0560e00.htm</a>, </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I am learning so much</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> Time to try pickles. In my research I have found that t<span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; ">here are many different pickling recipes out there. There are the traditional fermented cucumber in a ten percent brine solution. Then there are the "easy" recipes - basically, cucumbers in a jar with vinegar solutions. There are also the transitional recipes that mix traditional brining fermentation with jarring in vinegar solutions.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I, being most interested in traditional methods, chose to try fermenting/brining. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;">Brining preserves food by anaerobic fermentation, which, by producing lactic acid, achieves the correct pH to destroy toxic bacteria. Sounds fun.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Starting with an antique crock that I recently ran across at an antique store. I paid about $40, which I thought was very reasonably price considering the condition of the glaze (crack free). When I got home and some quick research told me that Love Field Potteries in Dallas, Texas went out of business in 1948. Neat.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pY81B007Jl4/SmzewCM4cFI/AAAAAAAAADE/yOGDOB88RDc/s400/IMG_9393.JPG" /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', -webkit-fantasy;font-size:100%;color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre;font-size:11px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', -webkit-fantasy;font-size:100%;color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre;font-size:11px;">Test fitted with a cake pan.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I poured in a gallon of water and placed an egg in it. The egg, as I learned, is an easy measure of salinity - stir in your pickling salt and when the egg floats to the top the ratio is right (do not forget to remove the egg).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3753142257/" title="IMG_9898 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3753142257_7368cfbf15.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_9898" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Then I put my fresh, washed baby cucumbers and placed a perfect-fitting pyrex baking dish lid on top of the cukes (upside-down to avoid air bubbles) to keep them below the surface. A weight might be needed to help hold them down. I used a bowl with some water in it.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3753142713/" title="IMG_9900 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3753142713_e1ff9dd7ee.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_9900" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">To lid the crock, I used my handled pie dish and then tied it all up in an old flour sack to keep out dust and bugs. I tucked it way away, back in a low linen closet.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>T</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">y</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">f</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">b</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">u</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">u</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">p</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">f</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">l</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">l</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">p</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">m</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">n</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">n the correct salinity.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Every few days I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">k</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">u</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">k</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">f</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">u</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">m</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> While it <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">forms naturally on the surface of the solution during the process, scum</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">y</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">y that you are trying to maintain during the fermentation process and, if left unchecked, results in cucumber spoilage. And we certainly do not want that.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Now, we wait.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">jon.</span></span></div></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-2052760992469915202009-07-21T18:05:00.009-05:002009-07-26T15:25:46.993-05:00Pickled jalapeños.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal; font-family:Georgia, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Saturday morning I woke up early (considering the night before), and I took my friend Erika (and my hangover) to </span></span><a href="http://babylovesjellies.blogspot.com/2009/07/froberg-farm.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Froberg</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">'s farm. It was her first visit and I did my best to show her around. She took lots of photographs and will likely have something to say about the experience soon - she has in mind that this is the beginning of "<a href="http://erikaraymakes.blogspot.com/2009/07/farm-tour-froberg-farm.html">Farm Tour</a>," which I am totally in for.</span></span></span></div></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>While we were there, I picked up more strawberries, okra, eggs, and - you guessed it - </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">jalapeños</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal; font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;">They looked so good; Erika caught me lingering and suggested that I might could pickle some. Sold.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, fantasy;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/3744516834_e05e54b8d0.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/3744516834_e05e54b8d0.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px; " /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I did not have a specific pickled <span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; ">jalapeños<span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "> recipe so I started with a generic recipe of water, vinegar, and salt. I added some of my <a href="http://babylovesjellies.blogspot.com/2009/07/pickled-eggs.html">pickling spice</a> mixture and some sugar to (maybe) soften the burn a touch.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pickled </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">jalapeños</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">:</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 pounds fresh </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">jalapeños</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3 cups white vinegar.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3 cups water.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3 tablespoons kosher salt.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3 tablespoons raw turbinado sugar.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3 tablespoons pickling spice.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4 crushed cloves of garlic.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Start by piercing each pepper with a fork several times - this will allow the pickling juices to get inside and the hot to get out.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In a medium saucepan, bring to boil your vinegar and water with the rest of the ingredients. Reduce and simmer for five minutes.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, fantasy;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2570/3744516472_bf696b07e9.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2570/3744516472_bf696b07e9.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Pack the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; ">jalapeños<span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "> into your sterilized jars - I only managed about five peppers per pint jar.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Pour the vinegar solution into each jar - dividing the bay leaves and garlic - leaving an inch of headspace.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Lid the (clean-rimmed) jars and process in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes. Let sit for at least a week for maximum seasoning. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The sugar darkened the vinegar more that usual which makes for a dramatic looking jar of peppers.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, fantasy;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3531/3744516100_5ec35711c1.jpg"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3531/3744516100_5ec35711c1.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>My mouth is watering over these already. That is all.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">jon.</span></span></div></div></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-68255967238821049212009-07-18T17:41:00.005-05:002009-07-18T22:50:58.331-05:00Pickled okra.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I think okra is pretty fantastic. Did you know it is believed to have originated in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethiopian_highlands">Ethiopian Highlands</a>? Or that it is considered a fruit on the plant but a vegetable once removed? How about that the okra pods bloom into a hibiscus-looking flower?</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3733278159/" title="IMG_9456 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2493/3733278159_b04a4bcd97.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_9456" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I have loved okra as long as I can remember. Fried was my favorite when I was a kid</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">b</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">u</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">y</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">n</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">j</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">y</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">m</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">n</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">f</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">f</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">m</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">l</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">v</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">n</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">g</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">u</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">m</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">b</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">n</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">n</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">u</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">y - especially when left as whole pods</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Pickled is good too - which is why we are here today.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Spicy Pickled Okra:</span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4 pounds young, small to medium okra pods</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4 serrano peppers, halved</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4 teaspoons mustard seeds</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">8 sprigs fresh dill</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4 cloves of garlic</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 teaspoons whole white peppercorns</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 teaspoons whole coriander seeds</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 teaspoons fennel seeds</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1/2 cup kosher salt</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4 cups white vinegar</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4 cups water</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Start by washing the okra and trimming the stem (if needed). Be nice to your okra because it does bruise easily.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">In a medium saucepan, bring to boil the vinegar, water and salt.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">T</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">n</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">i</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">n each of your sterilized jars, place one halved serrano pepper, one teaspoon mustard seeds, two springs of dill, a clove of garlic, white peppercorns, cumin seeds, corriander seeds, and fennel seeds. Pack the okra in the jars, like so:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3730520142/" title="IMG_9314 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/3730520142_c4bcb8f8ac.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_9314" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>By now your vinegar should be boiling, so the remove the pan from heat and pour the mixture into each jar, leaving about a quarter inch of space. Be sure there is no air trapped down in the okra.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Process the jars in a boiling water bath. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_hopson/3729721911/" title="IMG_9323 by baby loves jellies, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2570/3729721911_dca60844f5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_9323" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">***</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Several people have recently asked me about the timeline in which these pickled goods are ready. The answer is that it is flexible. You can eat the okra right away, but to get the maximum benefits of the herb and spices, I think, you should wait two to three weeks. I know - it is hard to be patient.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Make and enjoy. That is all.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">jon.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-88506685644701103552009-07-14T19:52:00.012-05:002009-07-15T11:53:28.846-05:00Pickled eggs.<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">I love eggs. I love pickles. So, what comes next should come as no surprise:</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Pickled eggs are hard-boiled and soaked in a solution of vinegar, salt, spices, and other seasonings.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">For my eggs, I decided to use a simple, hand-me-down pickling spice mixture:</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">2</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">t</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">b</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">l</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">s</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">p</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">n</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">s</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">w</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">h</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">l</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">l</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">l</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">s</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">p</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">i</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">c</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">e.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">2</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">b</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">y</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">l</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">v</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">s.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">1</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">c</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">i</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">n</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">n</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">m</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">n</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">s</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">t</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">i</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">c</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">k.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">5</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">c</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">l</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">v</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">s.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">2</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">t</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">b</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">l</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">s</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">p</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">n</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">s</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> c</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">r</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">i</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">n</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">d</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">r</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">s</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">d</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">s.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">2 tablespoons ground ginger.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">1/4 cup mustard seeds.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">2</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">t</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">b</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">l</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">s</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">p</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">n</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">d</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">r</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">i</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">d</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">r</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">d</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">p</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">p</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">p</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">r</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">f</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">l</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">k</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">s.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">To help cut costs, I followed the advice of a friend, and took advantage of the bulk spice section at my local Central Market. The value is amazing - I got more than enough spices for my recipe, all for about a dollar.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Start by boiling a dozen eggs. Twelve minutes at a simmer is the key. Run under cool water for a few minutes finishing by filling the pan and adding ice. Set aside.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/3722421192_edd07a44bc.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/3722421192_edd07a44bc.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">The number of eggs per quart will vary by size.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal; font-family:Georgia, fantasy;font-size:16px;"><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal; color: rgb(127, 127, 127); line-height: 22px; font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Next, combine your pickling solution:</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">1 tablespoon pickling s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">pice.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">2 teaspoon salt.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">3 cups white vinegar.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">1 cup water.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Heat the mixture to near boiling in a medium saucepan and simmer for five minutes.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>While simmering, peel your eggs and loosely pack in a hot sterilized jar. Pour the hot pickling solution (spices included) over the eggs. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Wipe the rim of the jar and secure the lid - finger tight is good. Process jar(s) in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The eggs are ready for serving when the pickling solution has seasoned all parts of the egg - two to four weeks should do it. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div></span></span></span></div></span></span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/3722421192_edd07a44bc.jpg"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/3722421518_d23b961dd5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/3722421518_d23b961dd5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Sweet pickled perfection.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(127, 127, 127); line-height: 22px; font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;font-size:14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">I am too impatient to wait for</span> these batches to be taste tested, so I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">will just keep trying different recipes (I have several more I want to try), but I think we need to have a tasting... thing. Perhaps August 1st?</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#7F7F7F;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 22px;font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>That is all.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#7F7F7F;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 22px;font-size:x-large;">jon.</span></span></div></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-67652303552681052292009-07-12T14:25:00.009-05:002009-07-13T16:58:18.365-05:00Strawberry Preserves.<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Despite a ridiculously late start yesterday, I made it to <a href="http://babylovesjellies.blogspot.com/2009/07/froberg-farm.html">Froberg</a>'s just before they closed. Lucky for me (and you) they still had strawberries. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The recipe for my preserves is very basic, which is a good place to start - this is my first time after all.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Strawberry Preserves:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">2 pounds fresh strawberries.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">4 1/2 cups sugar.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">2 lemons (juice only).</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/3714237426_31bd78bf30.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/3714237426_31bd78bf30.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Wash...</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2605/3714230236_8875a6a774.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2605/3714230236_8875a6a774.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">...and hull <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;">strawberries<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, fantasy;">.</span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3713421215_4bde4e10a8.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3713421215_4bde4e10a8.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px; " /></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/3714237426_31bd78bf30.jpg"></a><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Pour lemon juice over sugar in a deep skillet.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Bring to a boil undisturbed.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3504/3713424641_041092706f.jpg"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3504/3713424641_041092706f.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Stir and add strawberries. Bring to a boil and up to 220 degrees for 10-15 minutes.</span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/3714237426_31bd78bf30.jpg"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/3714231790_cfebd8fbec.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/3714231790_cfebd8fbec.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Ladle into jars with 1/4" head space.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Process in a boiling bath for 15 minutes.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;">The recipe filled nine four ounce jars, leaving just enough to spread over two slices of toast. All I can say, is that the flavor of the preserves was perfectly strawberry and made me as proud as the best meal I have every prepared.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">***</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I did learn a couple very important lessons:</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Do not touch boiling sugar.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Precise temperatures = no pectin.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Do not forget butter - it cuts down foam.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Keep ice on burns as long as possible.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">***</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal; font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;">The selection at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><a href="http://babylovesjellies.blogspot.com/2009/07/froberg-farm.html">Froberg</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;">'s was plentiful and saved me from having to choose what else to make. In addition to strawberries, I picked up eggs, okra, and cucumbers. I plan to pickle them in the coming days, so stay tuned.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>That is all.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">jon.</span></span></div></div></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-16497346841046761652009-07-09T09:58:00.011-05:002009-07-09T11:30:31.321-05:00I got big plans. Big.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2557/3703737433_27a0ca6da2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2557/3703737433_27a0ca6da2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Jars and jars.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>After last weekends trip to the farm and the reminder of just how much I love jarred goods, I began thinking about making my own pickles and preserves. I started researching how-tos and materials and there are so many great resources out there. Even the USDA pitched in:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "><a href="http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/publications/publications_usda.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/publications/publications_usda.html</span></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> Then, </span>I glanced through my older cookbooks and found that I already had plenty of recipes I could try. Well, I really sold myself the idea, so yesterday I bought some jars, and a lot of white vinegar, and pickling salts, etc.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Saturday, I plan to wake up early and head out to the farm to get the best selection and maybe just rely on that to dictate what I end up making.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I am thinking/hoping:</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Dill Pickles </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">(of course)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Spicy Pickled Okra.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Pickled </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Eggs with Beets</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> (Yes, eggs)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Strawberry Preserves.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">...or Raspberry.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Peach Something.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>I know what you are thinking, "What are you going to do with all that stuff?" Well I intend to start small, keeping some for myself of course, but I think I could sell some to friends and family - and maybe people I do not know yet...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Go cottage industry! That is all.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">jon.</span></span></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-35981062325538184902009-07-06T10:26:00.025-05:002009-07-12T17:24:48.015-05:00Best Potato Salad.<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I love Potato Salad and the 4th is the perfect excuse to makes some. Having picked up many of the ingredients (potatoes, eggs, and pickles) at <a href="http://babylovesjellies.blogspot.com/2009/07/froberg-farm.html">Froberg</a>'s on Friday, it was time to make a batch.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>To me there is little better than a big chilled bowl of potato salad on a hot summer day.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, fantasy;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/3694480225_2c4017b92c.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/3694480225_2c4017b92c.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 281px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Best Potato Salad:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Serves: 6</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">2 lbs. small red potatoes</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">4 hard boiled eggs</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">3/4 cup chopped dill pickle</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">1/2 medium red onion</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">3/4 cup Helman's Real Mayo</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">2T Annie's Naturals Horseradish Dijon Mustard</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">2T apple cider vinegar</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">2T fresh minced dill</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Salt and pepper to taste</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, fantasy;"><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/3695279340_956ea68fe5.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/3695279340_956ea68fe5.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">Wash yer 'taters.</span></span></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Direction:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Set a large pot of salted water to boil. Wash you potatoes. Add them to the pot - about 30 minutes (you know they are done if you can easily spear the medium sized easily). </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>At the same time and in a smaller saucepan boil your eggs - approximately 15 mintues at simmer (bubbles should just trail up). </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">***</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Tip for better eggs: </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>-Never salt water for boiling eggs - it raises the boiling point and often makes you egg whites rubbery.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>-When your eggs are done, drain them, run cool tap over them until the water no longer turns warm from the eggs, fill the pot with the cool tap, and add handfuls of ice cubes, adding more as they melt. This facilitates easy peeling.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">***</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In a seperate bowl, add your vinegar, mustard, mayo, and dill, stirring until well mixed.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>After you potatoes are done, chop them - halving or quartering depending on their size (I like large chunky potato salad) - and place them in a large bowl.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Chop you pickles and hard-boiled eggs and add them to your potatoes.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Then pour your dressing over the top and stir until the potatoes are well coated.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Chill briefly in the fridge (if time allows).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Stir the salad before you serve as the dressing tends to settle in teh container.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, fantasy;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/3695333626_409a3cd4eb.jpg"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/3695333626_409a3cd4eb.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Make it and enjoy. That is all.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">jon</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">.</span></div></div></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-26981455486128033402009-07-03T16:54:00.084-05:002009-07-04T13:53:52.409-05:00Froberg Vegetable Farm.<div><br /></div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">It was such a beautiful day, I wanted to get out and do something fun.</span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2472/3684859015_8274c6fbea.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2472/3684859015_8274c6fbea.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I have fond memories of traveling out into the country for fresh watermelon and strawberries when I was young. One farm my mom took me to was Froberg Farm in Alvin.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3684856037_0f017e66a5.jpg"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3684856037_0f017e66a5.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I did not consider how busy it would be the day before the fourth. Unfortunately for me, they were all out of strawberries - they said it had been a busy morning and they sold out fast. It made me miss the days of pick-your-own berries.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>They did have quart cups of tasty sweet cherries, but cherries are not berries, so I did not get any.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3684856749_27445914c2.jpg"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3684856749_27445914c2.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Various freshness:</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2629/3684857489_d148a94e3b.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2629/3684857489_d148a94e3b.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hot Tomato Peppers</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2629/3684857489_d148a94e3b.jpg"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2629/3684857489_d148a94e3b.jpg"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/3685666828_01b362c4f7.jpg"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/3685666828_01b362c4f7.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hot Banana Peppers</span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/3685666828_01b362c4f7.jpg"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/3684857959_dc5df870b5.jpg"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/3684857959_dc5df870b5.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></a></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hot Serrano Peppers.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">(I love peppers.)</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/3685667874_ddbdcbc108.jpg"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/3685667874_ddbdcbc108.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Freshly Harvested Corn.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3685667348_ecc668a91f.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3685667348_ecc668a91f.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Just Picked Tomatoes.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">When I was really young I was surrounded by freshly jarred fruits and vegetables. Lately, I have found myself strongly attracted to small batch and home jarred goods.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Froberg's offers their own line of preserves and jellies, salsas, and pickled cucumber and beets. They looked amazing and were very reasonably priced, so I picked up strawberry and fig preserves and a huge jar of pickles. The ingredients of the fig preserves include only figs, sugar, and water and I dug in as soon as I got home - all I can say is Amazing!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/3684856903_c15e515184.jpg"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/3684856903_c15e515184.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">Jars and jars.</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Froberg's also offers local farm raised meats.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2539/3685665250_efd8e0f7a8.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2539/3685665250_efd8e0f7a8.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pecan Smoked Pork Sausage "Sandwich."</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">From the Alvin Convention and Visitors Bureau website:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>"Froberg family farm is run by the third generation of Froberg farmer and his wife. In the late 1930's, Fred and Katie Froberg bought the property where the current store sits. Froberg's Farm started as a small strawberry farm where people were allowed to pick their own berries. Now the farm raises not only strawberries, but also blackberries, satsuma oranges, persimmons, figs, and all kinds of vegetable, all are picked fresh everyday. Tours are available by request during May and November, Monday through Friday. The farm is located on Country Road 190. For more information call 281-585-3531."</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2425/3684857073_a62bdd6f2e.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2425/3684857073_a62bdd6f2e.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Map:</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=11875+County+Road+190,+Alvin,+Brazoria,+Texas+77511&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=56.243791,114.082031&ie=UTF8&geocode=FQMzwQEdHxxS-g&split=0&t=h&ll=29.457535,-95.273781&spn=0.122415,0.223331&z=13&iwloc=A&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&q=11875+County+Road+190,+Alvin,+Brazoria,+Texas+77511&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=56.243791,114.082031&ie=UTF8&geocode=FQMzwQEdHxxS-g&split=0&t=h&ll=29.457535,-95.273781&spn=0.122415,0.223331&z=13&iwloc=A" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">View Larger Map</span></a></small></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>You should check it out. That is all.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">jon.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930541881170076074.post-26402815051619203332009-07-01T15:52:00.014-05:002009-07-01T22:21:29.027-05:00Ajar.<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Sometimes discovery takes traveling to a far off destination but sometimes it only requires you to look around.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I love discovering new things and finding new places and I plan on using this space to tell you about what I find.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This is the beginning.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;text-indent: 0.5in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">jon</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">.</span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798285648219484387noreply@blogger.com0