Pickling and Preserving: Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles and Pickled Peppers and Lifestyle Choices
(I just love my new pear apron from The Cupcake Provocateur. They are sponsoring an awesome Foodie Blogroll giveaway next month! So be sure to stay tuned for details about that!!!)
This year I challenged myself with some new cooking goals. Along with this blog I have grown, not only in culinary skills, but also in discovering the kind of life that I want to live – one in which I begin to produce more of my own food. Blogging has definitely changed me. Last year, I challenged myself to make our own bread and ice cream. Now that these have been easily assimilated into our lifestyle, I decided to add some more things. This year, as I have become more serious about it, I wanted to challenge myself to begin learning some skills that I will be utilizing even more when we finally have our a place in Vermont, and room for a big garden (and some goats and sheep) to go with it! Things are moving forward in that department! We are really looking forward to starting a new life up there and having a nice big kitchen and herb garden, and later expanding to animals. My eventual goal is to produce the majority of our food ourselves (with some food coming from our very rich local agricultural community) and raise sheep and goats so that I can make artisan cheese. But everyone has to start somewhere. So my challenge this year was to start making cultured dairy products, like yogurt, soft cheeses, kefir, buttermilk and creme fraiche that are easy to do in any kitchen. I started with the yogurt and cheese last week. This week, I am moving on to kefir.
Another challenge was to start preserving, so that I could stop buying condiments and canned goods at the grocery store. I started by switching from canned beans to dry beans and utilizing the soaking method in Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats. I also started adventures in preserving by making some jam earlier this year, during the height of blueberry season. But with summer coming to an end, I really wanted to make some pickles and pickled banana peppers or peperoncino rings. These two condiments we regularly enjoy – on salads, sandwiches, burgers and more. These were both important challenges, as both store bought varieties are chock full of dyes, corn syrups and MSG. I have been buying Bubbies pickles for the past 6 months or so, but at $8 a jar, it was getting out of control.
So I found pickle cucumbers at the farmers market a few weeks ago and bought several pounds to make refrigerator pickles. I used the recipe out of my Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving.
It was really fun and quite easy. I got 4 ½ 1 quart jars. Each jar costing probably around $1. A great savings from buying Bubbies! Plus they tasted better (you know how homemade stuff always tastes better than even the best store-bought brands!). Something I will definitely be doing again. Although I would like to try some other varieties, especially naturally fermented pickles.
As for the banana peppers, in the last few months I haven’t been able to find a single brand to purchase, and we have really missed them. We tried growing the peppers ourselves with preserving in mind, but our plant only produced a few peppers. With all the rain this summer, so many Florida gardens just got soaked and moldy.
This weekend I went to a new farmers market near my mom’s and I bought almost 2 lbs of banana peppers (also known as Hungarian waxed peppers) for about $3. I could not wait to get home and pickle them! I had some help in the kitchen from our little dog Peperoncino (that is how much we love these peppers), who goes by the more pronounceable name of “Pepino” these days. Again, it took very little effort to do this, and I ended up with 4 1-quart jars, saving me a whole lot of money too!
I am really excited to continue learning more about canning and preserving and making it a natural part of our lives, just like bread has become. I am enjoying seeing the ratio in the refrigerator from store bought regulars like cheese, pickles, yogurt, kefir and condiments being slowly switched to homemade varieties! Soon I will begin canning seasoned beans, soups and condiments like ketchup and BBQ sauce. It is a wonderful warm and fuzzy feeling to get back to basics and provide the best quality food for myself and my family that I can.
If you have a blog, how has blogging changed you?
Ashley - September 23, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Your canning looks great. I have just recently started as well, and it’s surprisingly fun and addicting! Your post on cheese-making has inspired me – one of my goals for this winter is to learn to make my own cheese, in many varieties.
courtney - September 23, 2009 at 12:38 pm
I love canning and wish I could do more of it. Bloggin inspires me to to do more and tackel things I would never have otherwise.
Núria - September 23, 2009 at 12:45 pm
I’ve been preserving ripe and meaty tomatoes this summer and sofrito, but as soon as I had 2 or 3 jars it took me no time to use them… I think it’s a great idea and next year I plan to buy Big quantities so that I can enjoy them during the winter.
I hope all your Vermont dreams come true :D.
Your pictures always make me smile… give a cuddle to Peperoncino from us all 😀
Jenn - September 23, 2009 at 12:47 pm
I gotta start picking stuff. I’m seriously lagging in that department and I really want try it too.
Nice photos of you with your new apron and you little pup, too. Cute!!!
Pam - September 23, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Jenn, I am so happy for Roberto and you…VT…how cool! Going to make me cry, because you are getting some goats and sheep…miss my babies!
Do we get to see pic’s soon, please…please…please!
Love the first photo!
Hugs!
Jenny - September 23, 2009 at 12:52 pm
You must be so thrilled about Vermont! That’s what my husband and I hope to do, though we’re shooting to settle in Paonia or Hotchkiss, CO. I understand that satisfaction of seeing your reliance on purchased condiments, yogurts, pickles and other foods drop. There’s a wonderful feeling of self-reliance when you figure out these traditional techniques – plus you get to make them exactly how YOU want them. For me, blogging has really helped me to stick to my guns, as it were, and keep learning and growing personally and that’s a pleasure I attribute to my readers.
Teresa - September 23, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Congratulations on your near closing on the Vermont home. I just know you’re going to be so happy. I’m excited for you. AND, kudos on finding and implementing your new life style in the cooking department. Very much deserved. 🙂
Happy Cook - September 23, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Wow you pickled and bottled those , looks so yumm. I have never did anything like this.
Back home mom always made things like this as she said it was far more tastier and the plus point was cheaper too. Love you apron, but i love and adore that scarf your cute puppy is wearing. She is hot wih those chillie prints 🙂
The Duo Dishes - September 23, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Ohhh, the banana peppers are where it’s at. Love them on sandwiches and in cold pasta dishes. Love. We’ve both been eating out much less and spending less money on food to that end. Even if we splurge on high end ingredients, they last longer and can be applied to so many other dishes. It’s definitely been a cultural learning experience too. So many recipes, so little time…
Jan - September 23, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Jenn – a great post as always.
I love that apron too!
Don’t give up with your peppers – I started to grow chilli peppers last year and I had …..like a whole 2 chillies lol.
BUT this year, I can’t keep up with them! At any one time there is at least 35 to 40 on the go.
I’m also growing banana peppers (this is the first year) but my plant already has 10 peppers (all at different stages).
My bell peppers are still flowers but I think it’s too late now as the weather is actually quite cold!
Bob - September 23, 2009 at 3:59 pm
A homestead?! I’m wicked jealous. I would love to have a huge garden, not to mention animals!
I think the biggest change blogging has made in my cooking is that it almost forces me to pay more attention to what I’m doing. Particularly writing things down. I never used to write down recipes but now I always do. It’s great for consistency. Heh.
Natashya - September 23, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Congratulations on your upcoming move! I am so jealous. 🙂
I am with you, just taking tentative steps to making more and more from scratch. The more I try, the more I want to do.
I have picked up a new book, Wild Fermentations, that has a prologue by the author of Nourishing Traditions. It is a slim volume, but very interesting. You can make your own vinegar!
Congrats on your forays into pickling and preserving, I admire your commitment to good, natural, and home crafted foods.
I got a little seed sprouter tray kit for my b-day. So sprouts will be our new thing for the moment. It’s great because I rarely ever see them in Canadian markets. Too fragile I guess.
I owe so much to fellow foodie bloggers. They have opened my mind and repertoire in countless ways. The best education I could ask for. Best of friends too.
dawn - September 23, 2009 at 4:52 pm
LOL! Don’t you look all happy homemaker with the wee one in tow. I love that pic!
I can’t wait till you move closer to me; I hope we can hook up and bake and drink cocktails. LOL I’m sure that once we finally get a house I will start with the whole canning process. I am eager to try that and would love to try making my own bread & butter pickles.
Michelle {Brown Eyed Baker} - September 23, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Love the picture of you with your dog!! Canning and pickling is actually on my list for this fall as well. I want to make some jams and preserves and am planning on pickles and peppers for next year when I (hopefully) plant a garden. I love the thought of knowing exactly what’s in every single thing I eat.
Kristina - September 23, 2009 at 6:46 pm
It’s funny, I’ve yet to do any canning myself, though I grew up with the women in my family all doing it.
Blogging about food has made me cook things I would not have ordinarily cooked and also helped me discover an amazing community of like-minded people.
Peter G - September 23, 2009 at 7:27 pm
My absolute favourite condiment is definitely pickled banana peppers! So tasty and so good added to a lot of dishes. I envy you as I feel I don’t have enough space in my tiny apartment to store all the jars. But you never know…you provide a lot of inspiration in this post Jenn :). As for blogging…I could go on about this forever! It’s really brought to my attention so many delicious recipes, foods and techniques from around the world. (to name a few!).
Vegetation - September 24, 2009 at 12:44 am
I love that you’re making all your own food (well a huge chunk of it). I aspire to make more of my own, I spend far too much time at the supermarket that could be better spent just making something myself.
DebinHawaii - September 24, 2009 at 4:39 am
I am so impressed with how you are achieving your goals–you are an inspiration!
DebinHawaii - September 24, 2009 at 4:41 am
Forgot to say how blogging has changed me. It has for sure made me more aware of what I eat, where it comes from and other bloggers (like yourself!) inspire me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things.
kat - September 24, 2009 at 9:41 am
You really are starting such an adventure! Blogging has made us think a lot more about where our food coming from & how we eat. Its also made us be a lot more experimental in the kitchen.
Stash - September 24, 2009 at 11:01 am
That’s quite a sea change from Florida to Vermont, not the least of which is the weather. Heh. I’m sure you’ll have a great time though.
Lovely photos. I’m at work so I haven’t had time beyond a quick overview of the first page. I’ll be adding your blog to my feed when I get home.
As for blogging, any changes that have occurred in my life have been gradual and have [mostly] taken place outside of the blog. The blog is just a convenient place for me to express my thoughts and my creative process. If anything, it’s provided me with the opportunity to join a whole new community of people. Things can get fairly insular on a food forum like eGullet, believe it or not.
FoodJunkie - September 24, 2009 at 11:54 am
Great news Jenn, you are living my dream but have the guts to really make it happen! You should definitely read Gesine Bullock-Prado’s new book “Confections of a Closet Master Baker” and how she made the transition from Hollywood producer to Vermont baker. Anyway, blogging has definitely changed the way I think and feel about food. Like you, I try to make my own things as often as I can. It is much more fun and definitely cost effective. Plus, via blogging I have managed to express my need to communicate my love for food with other people and influence them too. So it is definitely a give and take relationship, as anything connected with food should be.
Natasha - 5 Star Foodie - September 24, 2009 at 1:25 pm
How exciting about your upcoming move to VT! And very neat that you are pickling and preserving – I would like to get into it sometime soon! My grandma used to do that all the time and we really enjoyed all the yummy picked treats she made.
lisaiscooking - September 24, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Sounds like you’re on the road to a pretty fantastic way of living! Since I’ve been blogging about food, I’ve definitely become more adventurous with the kinds of recipes I try, and I’m finally baking sourdough bread.
Pam - September 24, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Good for you Jenn! I would love to own a lot of land with a huge garden and animals. It’s not in the cards for me now but a girl can dream.
I really need to start pickling…thanks for the inspiration.
zerrin - September 24, 2009 at 5:18 pm
It’s the perfect time here in Turkey for pickling. But I haven’t started it yet. Yours look so appealing! I generally do not chop the banana peppers while pickling, I use them as a whole. But these look so cute, and easy to eat. I will chop mine this time. Thanks for the idea.
Joan Nova - September 24, 2009 at 7:29 pm
I admire your dedication to your goals for clean, healthy, sustainable cooking and eating.
…but didn’t you just move into a new home about a month or two ago?
Diana - September 24, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Wow! Seems like we have alot in common! From growing my own, preserving, and doing things the old fashioned way! Great that you’ll be moving to a homestead. I dream of mine as well. My first animal will be Bessie…a heritage jersey cow! All the milk, cream, homemade cheese, yogurt, kefir etc. etc. etc. a girl can dream for!! Looking forward to following 🙂
Diana
A Little Bit of Spain in Iowa
Michelle - September 24, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Yay for this! I think I might attempt to do the same thing…..but where are the instructions??? I would have no idea where to begin!
Rocquie - September 24, 2009 at 11:16 pm
I linked over from in the pantry. I love your blog and will be back to visit more.
Your dog looks exactly like mine! (Except mine is a girl.)
pam - September 25, 2009 at 6:27 am
Congrats on the whole Vermont thing. That is totally my dream come true. I will have to live it through you.
It’s funny, but I am doing everything the same as you. Making bread, making yogurt, (want to make cheese), doing canning. I think it’s this call for a simpler (as in, no crap in your food and life) lifestyle, more self-reliant. I really have to get that Nourishing book.
Arlene - September 25, 2009 at 8:03 am
I am truly impressed at all the skills you’ve mastered! I look forward to having you join us in the Northeast. How exciting to be starting this new phase of your life!
Lori Lynn - September 25, 2009 at 9:54 am
Good for you!
I do want to try my hand at pickling too. Pepino is adorable, Wilson sends his regards.
LL
Ben - September 25, 2009 at 11:56 am
First of all, congratulations on the Vermont adventure! I hope everything goes according to plan. Goats and sheep, really? Wow, I am so impressed! Blogging has changed me a lot, too. I now appreciate more the food and culture I grew up with and have learned a lot about other people’s food and culture as well, and that has no price tag. 🙂
Cynthia - September 26, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Jen, you are such an inspiration setting yourself these goals and accomplishing them. I admire you so much. You go girl!
Eralda (The Split Pea) - September 27, 2009 at 12:36 pm
How inspiring! I love the goals you have set and a bit jealous, too. Canning is one of those areas that has always scared me, but perhaps you’ll have some tips in the future. And yoghurt and cheese making sounds fantastic. I can’t wait to see the results.
Great picture of you and your puppy, but the way.
Miranda - September 27, 2009 at 8:35 pm
I absolutely love pickling and canning! Thanks for the tips!
I love your site. It is a wonderful place to visit!
Peter - September 28, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Jenn, this is wonderful news! I go away for a month and I find out you’re transplanting to Vermont!
The jarred peppers would vanish in one day here (got any left) and I love your enthusiasm for wanting to really live off your land.
jonzie - October 1, 2009 at 3:28 am
ah ah! quite funny, our dog is called Pepe (which in italian means black pepper) and we usually call him Pepino. I also happened to read your post on a day when I bought loads of banana peppers 🙂
Diana - October 6, 2009 at 11:16 pm
I do some canning and freezing, but what I don’t do – pickling, because my husband and family won’t eat them. Darn.