Monday, February 15, 2021

Refrigerator Pickles

 There are few things I enjoy more than gardening and growing tasty foods.  One of my favorites to grow - quick, easy, and prolific - is cucumbers!  Since there's only so much you can eat at one time, and they really are prolific, this quickly means needing a recipe for pickles!

There are two main 'categories' of pickles.  Heat-canned pickles, which are shelf stable and can be stored almost indefinitely; and refrigerator pickles, which are simply cucumbers soaked in the pickling brine, and must be kept in the refrigerator.  For those unfamiliar, think of the difference between, say, Vlassic dills on the grocery store shelf, versus Claussen pickles in the refrigerated section.  The uncooked, needs-refrigeration variety are always my favorites, crisp and fresh tasting.


Sunday, January 24, 2021

Homemade Ranch Dressing

This homemade ranch dressing recipe is based on one originally from my childhood best friend's family.  I have tried lots of recipes for ranch over the years, but this remains my very favorite, hands down.  The flavors are complex and lively, but don't overpower the taste of the fresh salad ingredients.  It includes all of my favorite aspects of various recipes, combined into one.