by Renee Pottle | Aug 25, 2015 | Canning and Preserving, Pickles
The garden is devoid of cucumbers, so I am pickling purslane! A few years ago I wrote a post about growing purslane. The feedback was varied. Some people were amazed that I intentionally grow what is often considered an invasive weed. Others were appalled that I... 
by Renee Pottle | Aug 22, 2015 | book reviews, Canning and Preserving
Find even more canning recipes with the new Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving. Every few years Jarden Home Brands, the company that owns the Ball® canning name, publishes a new edition of its Guide to Preserving. If you are just starting out with food preserving, the... 
by Renee Pottle | Aug 20, 2015 | Canning and Preserving, Instagram, Jellies
Indulge in a Mediterranean treat with homemade fig jam. I love fresh figs. Good ones. Nice ripe, juicy, figs. Soft to the bite, but rich in flavor. Similar to a date, but less heavy. Figs are native to the Mediterranean region, and even grow in several places here... 
by Renee Pottle | Aug 18, 2015 | canning, Canning and Preserving
Can you use aluminum cookware when pickling? It’s pickling season here in the Mid-Columbia. My favorite local farmer is now taking orders for pickling cukes. Actually, his advertisement originally said “tickling cukes.” Obviously the... 
by Renee Pottle | Aug 15, 2015 | canning, Canning and Preserving
What is the best kind of vinegar to use when making pickles? Here is a question I am often asked; “What vinegar should I use to make pickles?” The answer? You can use any kind of vinegar, as long as it is at least 5% acid. Each vinegar adds... 
by Renee Pottle | Aug 13, 2015 | Canning and Preserving, Dehydrating
Don’t lose your dried fruit to insects or mold. Make lasting dried fruit using these 5 easy steps. There’s a little more to drying fruit than simply drying it. But…. not a lot more! If you have ever had a batch of dried fruit mold or get infected by...