Pickled Pink and Green

I often remind myself how everything comes into perspective when you can appreciate the other side of the table, fence, what have you. While in Chicago, I carved out time to take a refresher on canning and pickling at a local cooking school. I'm so excited for Essen's new classes on preserving food, Puttin Up Parties, I was thrilled to have the chance to see what bit of Chicago preserving lore I could bring to Lancaster.

Twelve of us gathered for the better part of a Saturday. Without exception, all class participants reveled in the camaraderie of doing something good for ourselves and the earth together. My cooking partner, Sheila, and I shared a space with a mother - daughter team. When questioned why Mom (aka Brenda) didn't just teach her daughter, Lee-Po, the how-to's at home, Brenda didn't miss a beat, "It's so much more fun this way."

And it was easy. And we didn't use any special equipment. So join Essen on Sunday, September 21st for the first of our ongoing Puttin Up Parties. You'll fill your larder today and your belly year round.