Saturday, July 31, 2010
Canbassadorship to the Nation
Friday, July 30, 2010
Herbal Sun Teas & Simple Syrups
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Cucurbit Love
For many, a sandwich just isn’t a sandwich unless accompanied by a dill pickle. In my opinion, their pungent saltiness is the perfect lunchtime companion. Aside from an overnight soak, this canning classic is ready in no time. Yield: 8 pints.
You will need:
- 6 pounds pickling cucumbers
- ½ c. + ¼ c. pickling salt (divided)
- 4 c. white vinegar
- 3-½ c. water
- 8 garlic cloves, peeled
- 4 tsp. dill seed
- 8 fresh dill heads (if unavailable, use 4 tsp. dried dill)
- 3 tsp. black peppercorns
To make:
-Rinse cucumbers in cold water. Scrub gently with a vegetable brush to loosen any hidden soil. Remove a thin slice from the blossom end of each cucumber (if you can’t tell which end is the blossom end, just take a thin slice off of each end). Place cucumbers in a non-reactive bowl, add ½ c. pickling salt, cover with water, place a plate or towel over the top, and set in a cool place or the refrigerator overnight or for 8 hours.
-Drain off the brining solution. Rinse cucumbers thoroughly to remove salt residue. Set aside.
-Sterilize 8 mason jars, lids, and screw rings.
-In a medium-sized stainless-steel pan, combine vinegar, water, and ¼ c. pickling salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
-Into each sterilized jar, place 1 garlic clove, ½ tsp. dill seeds, 1 dill head or ½ tsp. dried dill, and 8 black peppercorns.
-Pack cucumbers into each jar and cover with vinegar solution. Leave ½-inch headspace. Use a non-metallic spatula to remove any trapped air bubbles and wipe rims clean with a damp cloth. Place on lids and screw bands, tightening only until fingertip-tight.
-Process for 10 minutes in a boiling-water bath. Remember to adjust for altitude.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Host A Canning Party!

Monday, July 19, 2010
Auntie Love
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Our House, Part 2
Off-the-Grid Homes
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Friendly Loot
Our House, In the Middle of the Woods
Friday, July 9, 2010
Hand Fans!
It's been hot as blazes here lately. Much warmer than usual for this mountain climate. Glenn and the dogs and I have been managing the heat as best as we can, at times better than others. As a nod to the general steaminess gripping the nation, I focused on using hand fans to beat the heat on my "Small Measures with Ashley" post this week on Design Sponge.