#DIY Pickled Veggies

[familytubem]

Quick & Easy Pickled Cucumber Recipe! 🥒 #PickledCucumber #FamilyFoodTutorials #viralvideo

[danielbuchnercompositions]

DIY Pickling for Your Spring Veggies

[dieleerezwischendensternen]

Cucumber harvest 🤤 my husband made pickles!

[kyuhu]

one of my favorite comfort hcs is still the baltics + poland owning and renovating a cabin in the middle of nowhere, just to have a place to be a community without hiding their identity history has taught them all skills in how to make and maintain a homestead from next to nothing. eduard makes sure there is electricity and wifi, feliks is actually really good at renovating everything from a leaking ceiling to old plumbing, tolys makes sure there is a garden with food and medicinal plants and chickens and also just places to chill raivis has ingenious ideas for all those weird corners in old houses that require clever solutions, like off-the-grid water and heating systems, and also paints beautiful flower patterns on the doors and windows. they keep the small things they collected from over the years there and sometimes there are fights and bickering over memorabilia from specific time periods being on display or which food is prefered, but overall its a community building with enough corners to hide in and a fireplace to gather in front of and a garden to have parties in, with guest bedrooms and a pantry for home-brewed beer and pickled veggies from the garden, and its comfortable and safe

Aww that's a sweet idea! It's fun you bring it up because I've been thinking about P.oland and the B.altic's DIY skills recently after watching a video about a dude failing to plaster the ceiling and going yeah this would be Ed hahah. Like he has so many many skills but this wouldn't be one of them. I also can see Feliks as a mechanic. One wouldn't think so at first glance and he also doesn't quite like to get his hands dirty but if there is no other way around it he'll get things done and can even fix a sink it's just hard to get him to do it pffft. Lat is the home decor aesthetic person™ Feliks strives to be but never will and Liet is the only one who can drive a nail into the wall and succeed without making a fuss about it haha.

[acnhacpcfurnitureguides]

New Horizons/Pocket Camp - Toy Day Prep Table DIY Guide

1 Large café table (Natural)

1 Veggie basket

1 Pickled jars

1 Cutting board (Color: No finish; Towel: Red)

1 Salad

[joyfulcyclekitty]

Elevate Your Gathering: How to Create the Ultimate Picnic Experience

Are you dreaming of a perfect day outdoors, where good food meets the beauty of nature? Picture this: a lovely Picnic Setup, adorned with seasonal greenery, comfy cushions, and a beautiful picnic blanket spread under a warm sun. Add in a Luxury Picnic Hamper  filled with gourmet treats, and you have the recipe for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re planning a casual day out with friends, a romantic date, or a celebratory gathering, the right picnic setup is essential. And if you’re looking for Vegetarian Party Platters to please all your guests, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, I’ll take you through the essentials of planning a stunning picnic event. From the perfect setup to delectable vegetarian options, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create a luxurious picnic experience. So, grab your sun hats, and let’s dive in!

Why Choose a Picnic?

You might be wondering, why opt for a picnic? The answer is simple: picnics are fun, flexible, and allow you to connect with nature. They offer a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here are a few reasons why you should consider hosting a picnic:

Unplug and Unwind: A picnic is an excellent way to disconnect from screens and reconnect with friends or family.

Versatile Locations: Whether it’s a local park, your garden, or even a beach, picnics can be set up almost anywhere.

Cost-Effective: They can be a budget-friendly option for gatherings, especially with DIY catering.

Crafting the Perfect Picnic Setup

Choosing the Right Location

The first step in crafting a memorable picnic setup is selecting the right location. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect spot:

Consider Accessibility: Make sure your location is easily accessible for all guests.

Check the Weather: While planning an outdoor picnic, keep an eye on the forecast. If rain is expected, have a backup indoor option ready.

Permit Requirements: Some parks require permits for large gatherings, so it’s wise to check in advance.

Essential Picnic Gear

A great picnic setup involves more than just food. Here’s a checklist of essentials you shouldn’t forget:

Picnic Blanket: Choose a soft, spacious blanket. Red and white gingham blankets are classic, but you can also go for modern designs.

Comfortable Cushions: Bring cushions for extra comfort, especially if you’re sitting on the ground for a while.

Tables and Chairs: Consider a low-level table or even a wooden crate picnic table for a unique touch.

Decorative Elements: Add some seasonal greenery or fresh flowers in a glass vase to elevate your setup.

The Food: Curating Your Menu

Now, let’s talk about one of the most important aspects of any picnic: the food. A luxury picnic hamper filled with delightful treats will surely impress your guests. Here’s how to create a menu that caters to everyone:

1. Luxury Picnic Hampers

Luxury picnic hampers can take your gathering to the next level. You can find a variety of options online, with gourmet items that include:

Cheese and Charcuterie: Include a selection of British cheeses and cured meats.

Fresh Fruits and Veggies: Seasonal fruits and a colourful array of vegetables will add freshness.

Artisan Breads: Pair your cheeses with freshly baked bread or crackers.

If you want to explore gourmet options, check out luxury picnic hampers that cater to diverse palates.

2. Vegetarian Party Platters

For those looking for vegetarian options, it’s essential to have a variety of choices. Consider these crowd-pleasers:

Vegetarian Ultimate Ploughman’s Platter: A classic option filled with cheeses, breads, pickles, and fruit. You can find this delightful platter here.

Wrap Platters: A mix of veggie wraps packed with flavour.

Dip Platters: Hummus, guacamole, and a selection of pita chips and veggies are always a hit.

Drinks and Refreshments

No picnic is complete without refreshing drinks. Here are a few ideas:

Alcoholic Options: Consider bringing along some wine or bubbly for a touch of luxury.

Non-Alcoholic Choices: Sparkling water with slices of lemon or lime is a refreshing alternative.

BYO Drinks: Encourage guests to bring their own drinks to add variety.

Planning the Details

Creating an Event Brief

When planning your picnic, it’s crucial to create a detailed event brief. This ensures that you don’t miss any important details. Here are some points to include:

Event Date and Time: Clearly specify when you want to host the picnic.

Guest List: Keep track of who’s coming.

Dietary Requirements: Note any allergies or dietary restrictions of your guests.

Special Decor Requests: If anyone wants specific decor, it’s good to know in advance.

Setting a Budget

Understanding your budget is essential. It can guide your choices, from the location to the food. Here’s a simple budget breakdown:ItemEstimated CostPicnic Setup£50Food and Beverages£150Decorations£30Miscellaneous (games)£20Total£250

Adjust these numbers based on your needs and the number of guests.

Preparing for the Day

The day of the picnic can be busy, so here’s a checklist to help you stay organised:

Packing: Use baskets or cool bags to keep everything organised.

Arrival Time: Plan to arrive at least an hour before guests to set up.

Cleaning Supplies: Don’t forget rubbish bags for easy clean-up afterward.

Making the Most of Your Picnic Experience

Adding Personal Touches

Want to elevate your picnic? Here are some ideas:

Games: Bring along some outdoor games like frisbee or badminton.

Bluetooth Speaker: Create a playlist and bring a portable speaker to enhance the atmosphere.

Photography: Capture the memories by taking photos or encouraging guests to do so.

Dealing with Unpredictable Weather

Weather can be unpredictable, especially in the UK. Here are some tips to ensure a successful picnic, rain or shine:

Backup Plan: Have an indoor option available in case of rain.

Umbrellas and Parasols: Bring umbrellas for shade or unexpected rain.

Adjust Activities: If it rains, consider indoor games or activities.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Picnic Experience

Ultimately, the goal of your picnic is to enjoy the company of your friends and family while indulging in great food. With the right picnic setup, luxurious picnic hampers, and delightful vegetarian party platters, you’re set for a fantastic day.

Don’t forget to take a moment to relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings. You’re not just creating a meal; you’re crafting memories that will last a lifetime.

So, are you ready to take the plunge and organise your picnic? With these tips in hand, I know you’ll create a memorable experience that your guests will be talking about long after the day is over.

Remember, every picnic can be a unique celebration. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get planning and make some unforgettable memories together!

[downtoearthmarkets]

The Memorial Day holiday weekend is almost upon us, which means we’ve finally reached the much-anticipated unofficial start of summer! Get ready to break out your sunscreen, flip flops and white jeans and dig into some tasty classic cookout fare. You can rest assured that your local Down to Earth farmers market will be well-stocked with all the grilling essentials and plenty of seasonal goodies to snap up as you make the rounds at your favorite vendors this Sunday. Marinades Before you tie on your apron and fire up the barbie, your fresh meat, fish, poultry and veggies from the farmers market will require a little pre-grilling TLC to bring out their best. Marinades are just seasoned sauces that you apply before cooking but the introduction of salt, acid and then the heat of cooking amplifies the marinade’s effect on texture and taste. Similar to a vinaigrette, marinades are typically made up of three parts oil to one part acid (3:1) plus seasonings and aromatics that can be handpicked to create whatever style and flavor you desire. If you’d rather skip the DIY, MOMO Dressing's line of unique Japanese-inspired dressings make the perfect ready-to-use marinades with an Asian twist. MOMO Dressing uses the freshest ingredients sourced from eco-certified New York State farms to create their small-batch, handcrafted products right here in Brooklyn, NY. Their flavors include Shiso (Japanese Mint), Basil, Sesame, Yuzu Jalapeno and Ginger. Condiments Your juicy burgers and hot dogs are going to be fully decked out this weekend thanks to an array of delicious farmers market condiments to choose from:

Dr. Pickle’s Mmmelish combines the doc’s sweet relish with horseradish brined sauerkraut, spicy brown mustard, and finely chopped horseradish pickles. Try it once and you'll be hooked! It’s the ultimate enhancer for beefy burgers, dogs, sausages, veggie burgers and even grilled cheese. Don’t forget to pick up a jar of their whole pickles and pickle chips too. No barbecue is complete without them! 

MOMO Dressing's homemade BBQ Sauce will add layers of smoky, tangy, thick and sweet flavors to whatever it’s paired with.

Bombay Chutney Company's authentic Indian chutneys will make the perfect spicy accompaniment to all your grilled entrees. Flavors include mint, plum, cranberry, coconut, pomegranate and tomato.

Your burger will taste great topped with sticky caramelized onions and Taiim Shack Mobile's creamy hummus for a delicious contrast.

Simple Fine Foods makes farm-to-table sauces, spreads, condiments and British pub-inspired heat-and-eat foods. Their line of bottled, squeezable sauces will jazz up everything from egg and potato salads to burgers, dogs and fries. Flavors include Everything Aioli Squeeze, Pesto Aioli Squeeze, Spicy Chipotle Squeeze and Sriracha Horseradish Squeeze.

Fixings Why not splash out and put all the fixings on your burgers, sandwiches and dogs this weekend! After all, extra toppings and garnish deliver a punch of visual appeal, layers of flavor and nutritional goodness to boot!

Bacon makes everything taste better so fry up some rashers of Goode and Local By Don Rodrigo’s premium thick-cut, hickory-smoked Pennsylvania bacon. Lightly flavored with maple syrup, cinnamon, and spices, their pastured, Mangalitsa bacon is nitrate and nitrite-free for a healthier alternative without compromising on taste or quality.

Dr. Pickle’s fresh barrel sauerkraut is crisp, golden and delicious. They make it by lightly salting and soaking white cabbage in vinegar and water.

Raw onions can pack a pungent bite, not to mention the need for breath mints! Caramelized onions are delicious on top of a burger or sandwich and are super easy to make at home. Pick up 2-3 yellow, white, or red onions at the farmstalls, Maplebrook Farm unsalted butter and a bottle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil and follow this simple recipe to whip up your own batch that will last for a few days in the fridge.

A medley of sautéed gourmet mushrooms from Mushrooms.NYC make a delicious side or topping and will add a pop of flavor to burgers, steak, chicken, fish and salads.

Of course, a classic American burger isn’t truly complete without a generous layer of crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes. Instead of blander iceberg lettuce, branch out with some crunchy romaine or silky butterhead lettuces which are not only tastier, they also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. Although tomato season isn’t here yet, the farms are carrying greenhouse-grown tomatoes which have ripened under the spring sunshine of late.

Strawberries are reaching their springtime prime right now which means selecting dessert will be a no-brainer for Memorial Day. And goodness knows that a big dollop of Goodness Dairy's grass-fed, creamy vanilla ice cream will make the perfect “condiment” for these lushly ripe ruby red gems. As we usher in the warmer weather and droves of new seasonal produce, we wish you a relaxing long weekend and look forward to seeing you in the farmers market.

[hmantegazzi]

Living in exactly the opposite from a food desert, I guess I need to mention that one tends not to do this in the long term.

Yeah, we buy fruits and vegetables once or twice a week in the market to get them fresh, but for non-perishable foods it makes much more sense to buy in bulk and store, specially in the latter years with inflation, because if something in storage is still good to eat, you're eating with the budget of months ago, when things were cheaper.

And with fruits and veggies this can also be arranged somehow: you can freeze blended summer peaches or winter orange juice to have it on the opposite season, or to dry grapes, plums and apples, while jams are a great idea if you got lots of very mature fruit at once (like if you have a fruit tree); cooked squash and legumes also freeze very well, in case you prepared more than what you ended eating; most herbs can be dried and even improve their flavour, both in a diy solar dehydrator or in an oven, and use the same process to prepare salted onions for pickling.

[recipeguideworld]

Summer Pasta Salad

It's that time of year again—the Fourth of July is coming up soon! This wonderful day isn't just about enjoying America's independence. It's also about getting together with family, going to parades, watching fireworks, and, of course, eating! Speaking of food, have you decided what you're going to eat for the holidays? If not, we'll help you out. This year, let's turn up the heat in the kitchen (without breaking a sweat!) with our easy-peasy and very refreshing Summer Pasta Salad. This delicious dish is sure to be a hit at your Fourth of July party. Ingredients - 8 oz of your favorite pasta - 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1/2 cup of your favorite cheese, cubed (we recommend mozzarella) - 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped - For Dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. Directions - Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water to cool. - Combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, cheese, and red onion in a large bowl. - In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. - Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until well coated. - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy! You can try different things with this simple recipe. For more energy, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. If you like things to be a little spicy, add some sliced jalapeños or a little hot sauce. Some olives or pickles could make the dish taste even better. There are a lot of different things you can do, and every change you make gives you a new taste profile to try. Family Fun The Summer Pasta Salad isn't just delicious; it's also an opportunity to turn meal preparation into a fun-filled family affair. Here's how you can do it: - Kid-Friendly Chef: Let your little ones choose the pasta shapes. They'll have a blast picking out their favorites, and this will make the salad even more appealing to them. They can also help wash the veggies and stir the salad together. - Pasta Salad Bar: Set up a DIY pasta salad bar with different veggies, proteins, and dressings. Everyone can make their own personalized pasta salad, just the way they like it! - Taste Test: Have a family taste-testing competition. Each person gets to create their own variation of the salad, and everyone votes on their favorite. The Fourth of July is a special day for laughing with family and eating tasty food. And what could be better than a Summer Pasta Salad that everyone can make their own way that is cool, refreshing, and full of flavor? This dish will not only please your taste buds, but it will also help you and your family make memories that will last a lifetime. That's what the holiday is all about. So, on July 4, get into the idea of independence. Enjoy! Read the full article

[aeniith]

Fun with pickling!

Pickling veggies (or fruit) is very easy.

I started with a basic brine including:

1 1/3 cups white vinegar

1/3 cup water

1/3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons salt

I then added various amounts of:

Mustard seeds

Allspice (whole)

Black peppercorns (whole)

Dill

Rosemary

Oregano

Fennel seed

Garlic (chopped, fresh)

Chili flakes

Heat brine enough to dissolve salt and sugar. It should be room temp when you pour it over veggies.

My vegetables were:

Carrot

Yellow squash

Cucumber

Garlic cloves

Onion

Pepper

Green bean

Wait 48 hours and then it’s ready. I keep mine in the fridge but it should be shelf stable for up to two months. Tasty!!

[mayorwhisper]

Daily island DIY finds!

[ahedderick]

[ID five medium-sized beets in a steel colander]

   Last evening I weeded the beets and thinned out a few that were too close. I decided that my mission for today would be pickling them. Should I, y’know, choose to accept it and all.

Bowl of beets, saucepan with brine, jar lids, and a few random gyeranppang I made the kids for breakfast. That has turned into a useful recipe. It saddens me that beets are so beautiful but I don’t really care for eating them. Roasted is ok, as long as there are plenty of other veg involved, pickled is ok once in a while, boiled beets are just not happening. 

   By the time the sun made it high enough over the top of the maple tree to shine in my window, the beets were in the jars. I left plenty of space in there to put a few hardboiled eggs in later

[ID two canning jars about half full of the sliced beets, plus lots of ruby-red brine]

   Last night’s raspberry pie will disappear fast. 

[radishesinobscureplaces-blog]

Can't sleep. May as well start a fermentation project. Broccoli, onion, leek, carrot, sesame, coriander, bird's eye chile Fermented "coleslaw", will be ready just in time for summer.

[ratsoh-writes]

Okay, so let's assume the boys have an activity they would prefer not to do. It could be helping someone move or clearing out their garage. They don't want to do it but if they were bribed, they could. What would said bribing item be for the main ten?

How about everybody?? ;))

Sans: he HATES laundry. The only way you can get him to do laundry is is to nag to tears for days straight. Literally. This is why papyrus nags so much. Sans is unbribable

Papyrus: honestly this guy will agree to just about anything legal if he likes someone. He’s not the biggest fan of dusting though. It’s a boring chore. If you really want to bribe him, a hug is enough. Papyrus doesn’t need convincing to do a less favored chore

Star: he really dislikes making the bed because he’s impatient and the sheets never look right. A SO can get him excited to do that chore with just a meaningful wink though. Or if you’re just a friend, promise some sugary sweet. Star is another agreeable guy

Honey: he hates scrubbing the toilet. He’s a skeleton monster! He shouldn’t have to do that!!! Honey can be bribed with doughnuts though.

Red: there’s only two people that can get red to do something he doesn’t want to. Edge and his SO. And it doesn’t matter what it is (besides murder). If his SO lays a leg on his shoulder red is ready to work lol

Edge: there isn’t really any chore that edge hates. A good bribe though is a new pen or notebook. Yes he has too many, but he can’t say no to another lol

Mal: he’s not a fan of yard work or any chore that’s especially dirty. He can be bribed with a jar of pickles. Only people who know him very well know his weakness

Cash: he’ll do anything for his SO if they flashed them some cleavage ;))). Or extra hot salsa for a buddy. Or just pay him honestly. Cash is no stranger to hard work and isn’t hard to convince for any job

Oak: a sandwich. But not any sandwich. It has to be one of those ones that are so thick it hurts your jaw to take a bite out. This bribe works for everything except laundry.

Willow: the majority of chores that one would have to bribe him for are ones that would really strain his back. Do you want that on your conscious?? Other than that, if willow likes you, a hug is all he needs. If he doesn’t like you, then something useful like jars or diy supplies

Charm: he hates the dishes and refuses to do them if he’s not on the job. Charm can only be bribed to do those with some sort of shiny new kitchen supply like a mixer or frosting tips

Sugar: he’s very eager to please and will do just about anything for a friend. If you absolutely insist on bribing sugar though, flowers are the way to go.

Lord: he can only be bribed by friends, but once you reach that point it’s not too hard. A promise of coffee or an old history book usually works

Mutt: only his brother or SO can truly get him to do something he doesn’t want to. And they don’t need to bribe him ever. Mutt just does it. If his SO asks what he wants for the favor, he always gives the same answer. A cheek kiss

Wine: he won’t be happy about any sort of dirty jobs like pool cleaning, but he can be bribed to help if you give him a bottle of the good stuff ;).

Coffee: nothing can get him to do anything involving greeting a bunch of strangers. But any other work coffee won’t mind too much if you’re a close friend and promising ice cream later

Pop: he’s a little bit scared of the vacuum and will avoid that chore at all costs. But bring him a nice bubble bath mix and he might be convinced

Rhythm: the only thing keeping this guy from helping every one is his busy schedule. Rhythm doesn’t need bribes but if you insist, he likes frozen yogurt

Pluto: if he likes you and you come bearing shiny rocks, he’ll happily help with whatever lol

Jupiter: he hates long drives if there’s no fun destination. So, say someone wanted him to come with them to a shopping center two hours away, Jupiter will need to be bribed. Bruiser likes really big cheeseburgers, or for especially annoying tasks, a promise of something fun and active like paintball

G: the only thing that can get G to wash windows is a pack of his smokes. And it has to be the exact brand he always picks. Nothing else. He’ll be offended if you don’t offer his usual

Green: he doesn’t like using power washers because he always gets wet. But green can be bribed to use one with the promise of some nice tea and conversation

Peaches: he can’t stand feeding the chickens but peaches is also a food whore. He’ll do just about anything for some good pie

Rancher: he actually enjoys work and doesn’t have to be bribed for chores. He doesn’t like sitting through romance movies though and needs time be bribed to watch one with a friend. Rancher is pretty easy, just promise that he picks next activity

Snipe: he’s pretty much unbribable if he decides he doesn’t want to do it. But for things snipe isn’t being stubborn on, greasy fast food burgers go a long way lol

Bruiser: what he can be bribed with is just as unpredictable as he is. Like one day, bruiser could care less about that 100$ bill but the bag of catnip could get him to rob a bank. You never know unless you try

Ace: thin mint cookies. Ace would even rough up a guy for them. But they can’t be any cookies. They have to be the ones butch is hiding. Ace doesn’t actually care about the cookies, he just wants to stick it to butch

Slim: a flirtatious text or photo from his SO is all slim needs to get working. If you two are platonic only though, then there’s not much you can bribe slim with. His helpfulness all depends on his mood

Butch: he’s very easily bribed with either thin mints or a bottle of the good stuff. Butch is predictable, and there’s not much he hates doing in particular

Boss: one thing he does hate doing is painting because of how it can stain his clothes. But if you have a cat that boss hasn’t met, you can bribe him with some promised pets later

Rust: he’s a tiny bit nicer than red and can be bribed by friends. Get him some basic craft paints and he’s cool for most chores.

Noir: he’s very specific about his paints and books so bribing noir takes planning. Your best bet is to ask him specifically what he wants for a favor first.

Lilac: he’s more likely to be helpful just because he’s a nice guy and wants to show off how capable he is. But if you insist on bribing lilac, any sort of sweets are the way to go. Except really chewy gummies. They’re his least favorite candy

Basil: if your task involves large crowds, then the only thing that could possibly get basil to agree is if he was worried about your safety. For other chores though, he’s easily bribed by fresh fruits and veggies. Basil likes variety

[daffodils-and-edelweiss]

DIY Fermenting Stuff

AKA why it’s fun to have a bunch of bubbling jars and you should try it

Y’all really seem to like my DIY Cheese stuff post, so I’m doing another one for general fermenting equipment. I don’t think you should have to buy special equipment in order to try out a new hobby with no idea if you’ll like it. I also think that DIY solutions are better than commercialised options in general because they reduce waste, can be cheaper, etc. Personally, I’d rather not buy anything new unless I’ve got to.

Each section will have one paragraph explaining what the equipment is used for, and a second paragraph with suggestions for DIYing your own. Fair warning, the first paragraph is mostly just so I can explain the science behind what’s happening because I think it’s really cool. As always, if you’ve got any further questions, drop me an ask or send me a message! I love sharing what I’ve learned!

Glass Jars

I’m as big of a fan of the mason jar aesthetic as much as the next witch, but there’s nothing inherently special about mason jars. They’re conveniently shaped, and the lids are designed for canning, but that’s it. What’s useful about mason jars for fermenting is that they’re made of glass. Fermenting typically increases the acidity of whatever it is that you’ve got, and that can react poorly with certain materials. Acidic substances can leech bad things from plastic and metal containers. Certain plastics or coated metals can be used to hold fermented and acidic things safely, but glass is non-reactive and a much safer option.

Glass jars are super easy to come by, and you’ve probably already got at least one. Tomato sauce (because it’s an acidic food!) is often sold in glass jars. Same thing with pickles, jams & jellies, olives, sauerkraut, etc. Tomatoes and jams are the most frequent sources of glass jars in my household, so that’s what I usually use. I will say, if you’re a pickle person, those glass pickle jars with the wide mouth are really nice to have. Whatever glass jars you already have, just give them a good wash once you've emptied them, and they’ll be ready to use!

Fermenting Weights

Fermenting weights are often used in canning recipes. Carbon dioxide gas is a common by-product of fermentation, and that can cause whatever veggies you’re trying to ferment to try to float to the surface, which exposes them to the risk of contamination and spoilage. The brine that is used to ferment pickles, sauerkraut, olives, beets, etc, prevents mold from being able to grow because of that acidity. Weights sit on top of the fermenting veggies, right at the surface of the brine, and keeps everything safely submerged. The fermenting weights should be like the fermenting vessel, non-reactive. They should also be non-porous, and easy to clean. Kahm yeast is a harmless white film that frequently forms on the surface of fermenting brines, and it’s kinda ugly so you’ll want to be able to scrape it off the surface.

There are a lot of options for DIYing fermentation weights. You can use glass marbles or ceramic pie weights, wrapped in a cheesecloth bag. You can use a smaller glass jar that can fit inside the rim of your fermentation vessel, slightly filled with water. If you’re using a large crock to ferment things, you can use a ceramic plate to hold the contents down. I’ve personally never tried it, but I’ve seen several people use a cabbage leaf, tucked around the sides of the jar just underneath the rim, with a couple apple slices on top. My personal favourite is to simply use a rock. You’ve got to boil the rock for a bit to make sure it’s clean, and you want to be sure that it’s not going to react with the brine (example, don’t use a limestone rock if you’re making vinegar pickles). I usually stick my rocks in a plastic freezer bag because there is a lot of limestone where I live and I don’t want to accidentally make a pickle volcano.

Airlocks

Airlocks are generally used in homebrewing when your goal is to make booze. They can also be used in place of fermentation weights. You’re trying to create an environment without oxygen, since oxygen can spoil the flavour and allows contaminants to grow on your booze/veggies. The basic idea behind an airlock is that it allows carbon dioxide, a natural and harmless by-product of fermentation, to escape from whatever you’re fermenting, while not allowing any oxygen to come back in its place. It may seem a difficult thing to do, trying to figure out how to keep an invisible gas away from your precious booze, but the real challenge here is in creating an environment that can regulate pressure changes. If you give the pressure some way to adjust for the gas that will be constantly released from a good ferment, the carbon dioxide will actually do all the work for you in keeping oxygen out. Oxygen in our atmosphere is diatomic, meaning it has two atoms. It’s shortened to O2, which you will notice, is only one letter away from CO2, which is carbon dioxide. That extra atom in the CO2 molecule means it will be heavier than oxygen, so it will sink and force oxygen to the top of the container, far away from your precious booze.

I know I really talked it up in the first paragraph about airlocks, but DIYing this one is actually super simple. There are a couple ways you can do it for a more “professional” look, such as drilling a hole into the lid of your fermentation vessel, fitting a straw or tube to the hole in the lid, and placing the other end of the tube in some sterile alcohol solution so that bubbles can escape but no air can get back in. But, you can also just use a balloon. They’re cheap to get, they can be stretched over the mouth of almost any bottle, and they’re designed to expand to equalise pressure. They can look a little silly, sure, and you do have to check on them periodically to let gas out so they don’t pop, but they work really well. I would recommend securing them to the mouth of your bottle with a bit of twine, a rubber band, or a hair tie to ensure it doesn’t go flying off.

Carboy/Crocks

Ok, so now you’ve fermented some stuff in your old jam and tomato sauce jars. For things like sourdough starter, yogurt, kefir, and ginger bugs, those jars are the perfect size. If you like pickles, but don’t love them, then making pickles in pint sized jars is probably just fine. I, however love pickles, and would prefer to make them by the gallon. Also, brewing enough mead for you and your friends is tedious as hell to do in a bunch of little jars. If you can’t make enough mead to share with your friends, then what’s the point of making mead at all??? So, you’re gonna want something that’s big enough to hold everything you want to ferment, and that’s where carboys and crocks come in. Carboys are big glass jugs with narrow necks that are designed for making booze. Crocks are big ceramic containers, usually wide-mouthed and designed for fermenting vegetables. Ceramic and glass are both non-reactive and therefore safe to use in fermentation.

This is probably the most difficult equipment on this post to DIY, but that makes sense. If you’re looking to ferment things in the quantity that would necessitate a crock or carboy, you’ve hopefully already tried fermenting and decided you liked it. As far as crocks go, I personally use the lining of my slow cooker. I got a crockpot from a Goodwill for $4 when I first got to college, and I’ve used the lining of it for several batches of homemade soda and lightly alcoholic raspberry lemonades. It’s a ceramic lining, designed to hold and cook food over a long period of time, so I know it’s not going to react with acidic contents. Plus, it comes with a lid that I can use to keep pesky fruit flies out. For a carboy, the best method I’ve found is to buy a gallon of that fancy organic unfiltered apple juice that comes in glass jugs from the grocery store. It’s usually around $8, yeah, but the cheapest 1-gallon carboy I’ve found online is about $10. Buying the glass jug of apple juice saves you $2, plus you get a gallon of apple juice that the enterprising person could potentially turn into cider. That’s what I did :)

[splenda]

Follow Brooklyn Decker as she creates this beautiful appetizer spread - the perfect addition to your next party. Complete with Berry Wine Compote & Pickled Veggies, you will look like a culinary genius.

Berry Wine Compote

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes

Yields: 8 servings as an appetizer Compote:

1 cup fresh raspberries 1 cup fresh blackberries

1 cup cherries, pitted 1/4 cup spicy, fruity red wine, such as zinfandel 8 packets SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener ½ teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

1. In a medium sauce pan, on medium high heat, add the raspberries, blackberries, cherries, wine, SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener, salt, black pepper and ginger.

2. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.

3. While simmering, mash the berries. Mixture should slightly reduce.

4. Remove from heat. Let cool completely before serving. Mixture can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Serve with your favorite crudité, cheese, cracker, etc.

Quick Vegetable Pickle

 Prep time:  15 minutes Cook time:  24 hours

Yields: 5 servings, as an appetizer

 Brine:

1/3 cup distilled white vinegar

1 cup water

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons lemon juice

3 packets (approximately 1 tablespoon) SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

1 tablespoon fine sea salt

 Vegetables:

3 Persian cucumbers, cut into ¼ in sticks

3 Par cooked carrots sticks, cut into 4 in sticks

1 sprig dill

 Directions:

1.    In 16 ounce mason jar, combine all the brine ingredients. Tighten lid and shake until SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener has dissolved.

2.    Open jar and arrange the vegetables, and dill sprigs straight up. Make sure liquid covers vegetables, if not fill with water. Tighten lid and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving. Store in refrigerator for 1 week.