A few days ago, I received a parcel in the post that contained my basic hard cheese making kit. I opened it. It scared me. I put on the counter for the next three days to contemplate it.
Last night, I decided that the time had come to face my fears of failing the basic cheese making attempt. I decided that if I was going to do this, I was going to jump in with both feet. I chose cheddar cheese curds. They took four hours to make, and...they were a flop. But! I did figure out what I would do differently next time to make them lovely. I decided to make one more attempt before the night was through and used the left over whey to make a delicious bit of ricotta, which did turn out lovely.
Today, I think I will delve into the world of mozzarella and cottage cheese...
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Farmers Market
I attempted a small, backyard garden...again...for the 5th unsuccessful year in a row, and decided, instead, to focus my efforts on learning to cook with vegetables so that they taste wonderful. I have accomplished that. Julia Childs is an amazing tutor.
I have begun to purchase my vegetables at the local farmers market. While there, I visit with the farmers about their crops. I always ask them to pick my vegetables for me. Without fail, they all begin explaining to me what to look for in a tasty veggie and what to avoid. I've learned a great deal via this method of education.
I have also learned that it's easy to make a good deal on produce when dealing directly with the grower. When they choose the vegetables for me, they are usually extremely generous and throw a few extras in the bag for me, or they knock the price down a bit which, to me, is the same as getting free food.
My goal is to become friends with the farmers in my area. I like to spend my money and support local businesses in my community. In return, I receive a valuable education and a friend in the food business which will be most helpful in the coming weeks when the harvest is full, and it's time to buy in bulk and do some home-canning for the winter...not that I know how to can...yet.
I have begun to purchase my vegetables at the local farmers market. While there, I visit with the farmers about their crops. I always ask them to pick my vegetables for me. Without fail, they all begin explaining to me what to look for in a tasty veggie and what to avoid. I've learned a great deal via this method of education.
I have also learned that it's easy to make a good deal on produce when dealing directly with the grower. When they choose the vegetables for me, they are usually extremely generous and throw a few extras in the bag for me, or they knock the price down a bit which, to me, is the same as getting free food.
My goal is to become friends with the farmers in my area. I like to spend my money and support local businesses in my community. In return, I receive a valuable education and a friend in the food business which will be most helpful in the coming weeks when the harvest is full, and it's time to buy in bulk and do some home-canning for the winter...not that I know how to can...yet.
Total Self-Reliance...something that has evaded me thus far
Hello! Welcome to the first blog I've ever written. I've heard about them and read a few, but never posted one myself. I can't say that I actually believe anyone will read this (other than me), but I've decided that I need to be publicly accountable to myself.
I've decided that it's high time to become completely self-reliant. That's a massive, overwhelming task to think about, so, as my mother would say, "I've decided to eat that elephant one bite at a time."
I've decided that it's high time to become completely self-reliant. That's a massive, overwhelming task to think about, so, as my mother would say, "I've decided to eat that elephant one bite at a time."
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