Recipe(s)

 We were gadabouts yesterday and spent today awaiting delivery of this....

Our previous cupboard/small island is one the Resident Chef made when we moved here fifteen years ago and it has served us well.  Sadly the drawers no longer work properly and we were fed up with playing the "Will It Close Or Won't It' game so we parted with an obscene amount of money to have this one professionally made.  It's extra high because we're both tall and also has heavy duty casters so it can be moved easily.  

So...it's been awhile since I shared a recipe with you.  I know some of you are suffering from a glut of cucumbers this time of year, so perhaps you might want to give either (or both!) of these recipes a try.

REFRIGERATOR PICKLES

1 c. white or apple cider vinegar (we use white)
1 c. water
1 c. white sugar
1 tablespoon (total) of either fresh minced garlic, 
sliced chilies; peppercorns, pickling spice, mustard seeds,
bay leaves or coriander seeds (choose whatever 
are your favourites, as long as it's 1 T. overall)
1 heaping tsp. kosher salt
2 lbs. sliced cucumbers (you can replace some of the
cucumbers with pearl onions or sliced red or 
sweet onions)

Peel and slice veg's into 1/4" slices and pack into clean jars leaving about 1" headspace.  Heat water, sugar, spices and salt over medium heat, stirring occasionally until dissolved.  LET COOL COMPLETELY.  Pour cooled brine over
veg's making sure they're completely covered.  Cover and refrigerate at least three days before serving.

+++++++++

FREEZER PICKLES

10 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
3 medium onions, thinly sliced
1 large green pepper, chopped
3 tablespoons salt
2 c. sugar
1 c. white vinegar
1 tablespoon celery seed
Crushed ice

Combine cucumbers, onions, green papper and 2 tablespoons salt.  Cover with crushed ice and mix well.  Refrigerate 8 hours.  Drain, rinse, and drain again.  
In large saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, celery seed and remaining salt.  Bring to a boil and cook and stir one minute.  Spoon over cucumbers.  Pour into jars, leaving 1" headspace.  Cool.  Top with lids and freeze.

- You might enjoy spending a few minutes going to a really great quilt show HERE.

- Our little boys are a bit too old for THIS, but had I seen it a couple years ago I would have definitely made them one.

- If you want to make a cute 'emotional support' chicken that seem to be all the rage right now, how about THIS one.

- THIS little guy made me smile.  And so did THIS fellow.  And THIS one simply made me laugh out loud.

Today's quote is from William Arthur Ward..."Leadership is based on inspiration, not domination; on cooperation, not intimidation"