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Quick Dill Pickles

Erin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 02:13:54 +0000

I just recently got this recipe from one of my cookbooks and I wanted to share it because it makes the most delicious quick pickles that will stay good in the fridge for weeks! They are crispy and good like a Clausen pickle! I have tried canning them and will report back later on how they turn out, but I make them in the jars even if I don’t can them because it is easiest.

4-6 pickling Cucumbers
1 cup white-wine vinegar
1/4 cup sugar (I only use 2 Tbsp. because I don’t like them as sweet)
3 Tbsp. coarse salt
1 tsp. dill seed (I also add fresh dill to the container and a few peppercorns)
2 crushed & peeled garlic cloves
2 cups water

Quarter cucumbers lengthwise, then place in a large bowl. In a medium saucepan, combine all the other ingredients. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve; pour mixture over cucumbers.

Use a small plate to submerge cucumbers in liquid. Refrigerate until cool, at least 2 hours. Pickles can be refrigerated in a airtight container up to 2 weeks.

Makes 1 quart.

Yesterday’s Produce

Erin — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:21:54 +0000

These were the goodies that I got from our garden yesterday (sorry for the horrible picture from my phone). I also picked our first two little red cherry tomatoes, so tomato season for us is almost here! While I was out there, I spied a baby spaghetti squash so I am tickled about that! And the eggplants are coming too!

I went ahead and tried a recipe for dill pickle spears from the “Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast” cookbook and they were actually pretty tasty for a 2-hour pickle! It’s a good thing because my pickling cukes are coming with fury! I am going to have to learn to can these suckers quickly. Here is the quick pickle recipe:
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Quick Dill Pickle Spears

4-6 pickling Cucumbers
1 cup white-wine vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
3 Tbsp. coarse salt
1 tsp. dill seed
2 crushed & peeled garlic cloves
2 cups water

Use a small plate to submerge cucumbers in liquid. Refrigerate until cool, at least 2 hours. Pickles can be refrigerated in a airtight container up to 2 weeks.
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On a sad note, I think our broccoli and peas are petering out. It is to be expected as it gets hotter, but we have really enjoyed throwing these little goodies into stir fries and such.

Happy Birthday Brenner

Erin — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:34:00 +0000

Two years ago today we brought home the smooch pooch from our local animal rescue, and we couldn’t be happier. After work we will probably take him to the dog park, and maybe Canine Cafe for “yappy hour” for a doggie cake or cookie. We also have the dog bar where the dogs run wild and humans can have a drink.

We love our pooch and we’re so glad we chose to adopt him. We hope he enjoys today.

IMAG0122.jpg

Erin — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 06:45:37 +0000

Today I planted a little kitchen herb garden… can you tell I’m ready for spring? I crammed in chives, cilantro, sage, thyme and rosemary. They sit on my kitchen table where they get a little light and where I can pluck off what I need when I’m cooking. I just hope I didn’t pack them in too tight where they’ll die. For now, at least it looks pretty.

New Books for the New Year

Erin — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 18:54:19 +0000

Since the new year is… well, tomorrow… I went ahead and got a few new books to add to the reading list for 2010. New Year’s always brings about resolutions, and with a wedding on the horizon, better eating and losing a few (okay, 25) pounds is essential. My biggest goal for the new year is to get back to the way I used to eat… primarily organic and mostly veggies and fish. I think I’m honestly going to give the Pescatarian eating a try for a while. I also want to make a good attempt at getting to know where my food comes from, like joining a local CSA. These are two books that explain where our food comes from and why it’s so important. I wanted to join the CSA last year but didn’t have the money for even a half share. This year I want to make that a priority. I’ve also been lacking on my green smoothies and want to try to get those back into my diet.

It’s time to make the decision to be in better health… and after I recover from the potential (okay, inevitable) hangover tomorrow, we’re going back to the gym. I’ve only been donating for half a year now.

So, see you in the new and healthier new year!

Engaged…. again

Erin — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:51:00 +0000

We’ve decided to try again and on Christmas Eve David proposed to me for the second time. This time he gave me a diamond wedding band to prove that he is committed to the end result. I couldn’t be happier and hope that things go a little smoother this time around.

IMAG0038.jpg

Erin — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:04:18 +0000

Moon Cookie Attempt #1 for David

Erin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:52:57 +0000

I tried my first attempt at making David’s favorite cookie tonight. The best ones are found in NY at Wegmans and we don’t have one here. I thought I would try in honor of his homecoming today. While it doesn’t taste exactly like the ones from Wegmans, its a pretty good runner up. I found the recipe online and modified it slightly. I’ll be sure to post the recipe after I get David’s feedback.

Viva la moon cookie.

Beautiful Graffiti

Erin — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:49:03 +0000

Starbucks Banana Walnut Bread

Erin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:30:27 +0000

I think I need to try this recipe this weekend. It came from Starbucks and I am hoping it is just like their banana pound cake, which is one of my favs. Now I just have to hold out and hope they might share their Marble Cake and Vanilla Scones.

I have also started adding some recipes to my FlickR page in a set called Family Recipes. I saw on Martha that people are doing this, extending FlickR past just a photo storage place, and I thought it was cool. So when I have a picture of whatever it is, I will try to include the recipe if I have one. I only have a few up there now, but I included the picture of this recipe card in there.