White-Fleshed Peaches on the tree

I just made two half gallon jars of fresh pickled vegetables -- quick & easy.  I bet you'd like to make some too in order to use all those good things you can't eat at once and extend the season just a little. 

You can put almost any vegetable in a half gallon jar; just cut them into snack sizes, pour in a simple brine and a few flavorings, put them in the fridge to marinate, and in a couple days you have all those crisp and tangy vegetables to snack on. They'll last up to a month in the fridge.

Vegetables:  here's what I had on hand:

cauliflower
sweet onion
carrot
celery
green beans
jalapeños
sweet red pepper
cucumber
fresh ginger, sliced
fresh garlic, sliced

You can also use turnips, fennel bulb, zucchini, daikon, beets, and other firm vegetables.

Cut these into chunks suitable for hors d'oeuvres. I blanch the beans and cauliflower florets a little but you don't have to. Mix them up, and pack them into your jars, distributing the ginger and garlic among the veggies.

Simple brine:  For each half gallon jar you'll need a quart of brine, about half water and half vinegar (not balsamic); cider, white, rice, or wine vinegars are all nice. Put the brine in a pot and add a tablespoon or so of kosher or other good salt, a couple tablespoons of sugar, fresh ground pepper, and any herbs or spices you might like --  coriander, mustard seeds, pepper flakes, dill, rosemary, bay, etc.  Bring to a boil, then slowly and carefully pour over the vegetables to cover. Add more brine if needed to reach half an inch to the top of the jar.  Put the lid on, cool, and refrigerate.

Fresh pickle needs to marinate a couple days; after that it will keep about a month in the fridge.

-- Eleanor

WHEREAS, every year emergencies happen unexpectedly in communities similar to ours, to people similar to us; and

WHEREAS, the entire San Juan County community can take actions to become prepared to respond to and recover from any natural or man- made disaster, no matter how big or small, the more people who are prepared, the quicker our island community will recover; and

WHEREAS, San Juan County first responders may not always be able to reach you quickly in an emergency or disaster, and the most important step you can take in helping them is being able to take care of yourself and those in your care following a major emergency; and

WHEREAS, during National Preparedness Month, community members are encouraged to take time to prepare yourself, your families, and your businesses to be able to be self-sufficient and independent for at least two weeks following a major earthquake or other disaster, and

WHEREAS, San Juan County community members who are prepared to take care of themselves following an emergency will be able to help spread the word and encourage others to do the same, and will be well equipped to pitch in and help the islands recover following an actual incident.

NOW, THEREFORE, We urge our fellow citizens to make sure that you and your family are prepared for at least two weeks and have taken steps to understand and prepare for the risks they face do hereby proclaim ...

 
Monday 12-2
Tuesday 10-12, 12-2
Thursday 10-12, 2-4
Friday 10-12, 2-4
Saturday 2-4
Sunday 2-4

 

We are also looking for volunteers for the following:  

 

Volunteer Benefit:

Volunteers earn co-op cash to spend in the store at the rate of $4.60 for every two hours of work. Any hours worked within the quarter will count towards co-op cash. All cash earned during the quarter is to be used during the following quarter, with transactions recorded at the check stand.

Contact Information:

Thank you!       

 -- Sarah  

Monthly Meetings

September 17, October 15, November 19