Possibility, Pickling, Pride and Peppers
June suggests more time to honor the people and things we love…
As we veer towards the month of June, my mind always whirrs with the concept of possibility. Warmer weather means more time outside and a shift in my garden, vacations and quick getaways to look toward and, of course, extended day-to-day adventures with my immediate family that I cherish. For myself, June signals the start of summer and more time for some homemaking efforts that bring me joy.
At my house, this means pickling as much as I possibly can. I have loved the art of canning and lacto-fermenting for many years now, and I also love the flavor and health benefits of fermented foods. As my spring garden comes to a close and my summer garden begins, I am able to not waste any of those late springtime veggies and fruits by fermenting them. If you are interested in learning how to ferment your own food, check out the Edible Communities podcast Eat.Drink.Think. for an illuminating discussion on the subject.
My hope is that just one person reading this week’s newsletter will take it upon themself to learn this fabulous food preservation method!
It has taken me many years to learn the art of various homemaking techniques: sourdough bread baking, canning and lacto-fermenting, making yogurt, kefir and kombucha — all of which I am very proud to say I know how to do.
The feeling of pride is pretty magical and hard to beat.
June always reminds me to slow down, savor and marinate on just how important that feeling is.
Pride Is For Everyone
Pride on a much larger scale that affects countless people is being celebrated this month, and I couldn’t be happier to commemorate and observe National Pride Month here in Santa Barbara County. Pride Month honors the 1969 Stonewall Rising in Manhattan. And the purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally and internationally.
Whether it is ringing in the rainbow spirit in Los Olivos, Solvang, Santa Ynez or Santa Barbara — it doesn’t matter just as long as you join in the festivities!
There are so many events going on throughout Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley — the important thing here is to support and protect everyone — equally.
Spice It Up!
Speaking of the transition in my own garden, I was recently gifted a variety of heirloom pepper plants from a local friend/farmer. You know I love ya, L.O.V. Farms! Usually, I abide by my very strict rule of only planting by heirloom seed — but who could say no to about ten different varieties of heirloom peppers? What was especially praiseworthy was that each plant ranged exquisitely in sweetness to hotness, from Joelenes Rustic to Freeport Orange Scotch Bonnet.
As we transition to warmer weather, I find myself looking forward to simple dishes to be enjoyed al fresco: fresh salsas á la Santa Maria style, no-cook meals or enjoying Brunch & Beats with friends. As some of you know, I am a big fan of bbq-ing as well, and I am thoroughly excited to try a range of dishes that will include my prolific pepper pals on the grill! I foresee the Nepalese Bell chopped up and topping smoky salmon dogs.
Of course, that homemade sauerkraut (thanks, Edible Milwaukee) will be finding its place atop many a grilled protein…
I hope June also reminds you, dear reader, to slow down and truly relish (see what I did there?) in the longer days, warmer nights and more time with those you love. As we close on springtime and open our hearts to summertime, I challenge you to marinate in the people and things that bring you pride. Okay, okay — I’ll stop.
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