Saturday, August 22, 2015

Namaste

Yoga in some of the best public places.  Tuesday I was at an altitude of 11,000+ feet at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.  Yesterday I was on the sand in Manhattan Beach, California.  Both California and Colorado are home to me.  I like to stop and do just a little Yoga in special places.  Namaste

Warrior with hiking boots at Bear Lake
Ryan and I on the beach in Manhattan.  Thanks, Ry, for sitting next to me on the concrete bench at the courthouse today.



Saturday, August 1, 2015

Dill Pickles - in the refrigerator

Who doesn't love a cold crispy dill pickle in the summertime with a burger or a sandwich? These are ready in 24 hours and gone in just about the same time.  I have very little in my garden this year but I do have cilantro that has gone to seed which is then called coriander and dill.  I had to buy the pickling cucumbers from Whole Foods but they should be at the Farmers' markets too.
pickles in a pretty jar - no canning process necessary
mise en place
Refrigerator dill pickles:
Servings: About 24 spears, or two 1-quart jars 
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups distilled white vinegar 
3 Tbs kosher salt
2 Tbs sugar
2 cups cold water

1-3/4 to 2 pounds pickling cucumbers (about 6), cut into spears
2 Tbs coriander seeds- my cilantro is going to seed-perfect
 
6 large garlic cloves, peeled and halved
1 tsp mustard seeds
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
16 dill sprigs- fresh from the garden or 
farmers’ market

Instructions
Combine the vinegar, salt and sugar in a small non-reactive saucepan over high heat. Whisk until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Transfer the liquid into a bowl and whisk in the cold water. Refrigerate brine until ready to use.
Stuff the cucumbers into two clean 1-quart jars. Add the coriander seeds, garlic cloves, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, dill sprigs, and chilled brine into jars, dividing evenly. If necessary, add a bit of cold water to the jars until the brine covers the cucumbers. Cover and refrigerate about 24 hours, then serve. Cucumbers will keep in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Complements of http://www.onceuponachef.com