canning

Our very own FabSugarUK attended some nuptials and brought back an edible gift idea that's brilliant. She had this to share in the Wedding Talk group in the YumSugar Community. I attended a wedding a few weeks ago and couldn't resist sharing these gorgeous place settings. The bride had made a pot of jam for all the guests and had names printed on them. They were then used as place settings! They had a fabric covering on the lid that was made from the same fabric as the bridesmaid dresses. So cute! It was a really nice personal touch.

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With the exception of Italian tomatoes, I rarely buy canned vegetables, unless I'm desperate for something like artichokes when they're out of season. But one thing I have always noticed is that while just about every vegetable — onions, asparagus, tomatoes, corn, beets, even kale — is readily available on a shelf, I've never seen broccoli that comes in a tin. Why doesn't canned broccoli exist?

I was surprised to find out that the answer has more to do with texture and smell than anything nutritional. In the new book, FYI: Does Size Matter? 15 Questions We Aren't Afraid to Answer, editors describe the process of pressure-canning vegetables, which at temperatures above 200ºF, would turn delicate broccoli florets to a virtual pulp. Even the USDA dissuades home canners from preserving broccoli in this manner. Not only will the canning process discolor the vegetable, it also intensifies the broccoli's gassy odor.

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I've always wanted to cure my own olives, but it's not every day that I spot fresh olives at the store. So I was thrilled to discover one sunny Saturday that the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market was selling bags of small, black Coratinas for $5, along with a recipe for curing olives. To make bitter and astringent fresh olives edible, there are two ways of preparing them: dry-curing them in salt, or wet-curing them in brine. I went with the dry-curing method, and I wasn't let down. Although I'd opt for an olive with a greater meat-to-pit ratio next time, the recipe produced an intricate flavor that was sweet, salty, and buttery at the same time. Now that I know how easy it is to make my own, I'm hesitant to ever buy a can of olives from the supermarket again! See for yourself when you keep reading.

Everyone has had pickled ginger as a condiment in a sushi restaurant, but did you know it can be made at home? The preparation isn't that time consuming, but the ginger has to sit in a vinegar mixture for several hours. Considering that the pickled ginger can last for up to six months in the fridge, it's well worth the effort! The final product has a wonderful color and is fresh in both flavor and texture. Not only is it great on sushi, but it's a delicious addition to marinades, stir-frys, salads, and if you are feeling exceptionally adventurous, Vietnamese sandwiches. Keep reading for the recipe.