Poole Party of 5

Like Magic

Published on June 20, 2013January 26, 2014 by poolepartyof5Leave a comment

Author’s Note (01/25/14): Zaarly is no longer operating in Seattle, which is a bummer, but, oh well ~ such is life with start-ups! The Poole Party Design items are still available on Etsy, though, and most of the other vendors can still be found at local farmer’s markets. Happy Shopping!

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Do you Zaarly?

If you haven’t heard, Zaarly is an awesome new service that has recently launched in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Kansas City and New York. Zaarly handpicks vendors to bring the local marketplace online. It combines local flavor and personality with the ease and convenience of online shopping! Looking for your favorite farmer’s market salsa guy or amazing caramels? Searching for a new personal trainer or some everyday help? Look no further. Zaarly prides itself on bringing only the best providers to you, by showcasing references and reviews, as well as a personal story by the vendor. By the time you are ready to purchase, you know a little something about who you are buying from. What a nice change from the often faceless feeling of buying online! Zaarly is becoming known around Seattle as one of the best new resources in town. Many of the vendors even offer FREE local doorstep delivery in the greater Seattle area! More vendors are being added daily to give you even more selection. Stay tuned for fun events and developments!

When I became a parent, I tried for awhile to function as I did BK (Before Kids). This was easier with one child than with three, obviously. In some ways we have achieved this lofty goal – we still like to go out to dinner to restaurants on occasion and we still like to explore our city and natural surroundings. But, one area that has changed dramatically since BK is that I adore any company that will deliver to my doorstep. AmazonFresh and Amazon top the list, but sometimes I am looking for more niche items and I don’t have the time or patience to search all over town. Since moving from our old neighborhood of Ballard, for example, I am still on the hunt for the perfect croissant and savory scone nearby.

As it happens, Poole Party Designs also recently opened a storefront on Zaarly. I have gotten to know the website, as well as some of the people behind it and I am thoroughly impressed. I am excited to be part of something new in Seattle and I am thrilled to get to share it with you. Check out some of our latest items here:

Have a birthday party coming up this weekend that you haven’t had a moment to shop for? Baby or wedding shower later this month and you don’t know what to get? Show how thoughtful you really are with a custom gift for your loved one. The best part is, you can order online and your gift will show up on your doorstep! Voila! Like magic…

That’s how I feel today! Somewhere in Seattle, someone is baking up some savory biscuits that will appear on my doorstep tomorrow! Like magic! I can’t wait…

Oh, and another thing. If Zaarly hasn’t made it to your city yet, check out the Handmade Goods category and find lovely artisan quality items that can be shipped all over the world. Homemade Marshmallows or Seersucker Bow Tie, anyone?

Happy Shopping!

A Look Back

Published on June 14, 2013June 14, 2013 by poolepartyof51 Comment

Things are a bit crazy right now! It is the first week of summer for the kiddos and things are also getting busier with Poole Party Designs! I have been spending a lot of time at the sewing machine and it makes me think back to what was going on a year ago!

Here is a look back at some of my favorite moments from June 2012:

1. We were celebrating the upcoming birth of a good friend’s baby: Inspiration

2. School was coming to an end and my thoughts were on how to document time: Holding A Memory

3. My baby was still spitting up and the Poole Party Burp Cloths were born: Product Testing

Time can feel like it goes by quickly, yet look how much has happened!!

Happy Summer!!

Time Flies

Published on June 6, 2013 by poolepartyof5Leave a comment

“Time flies when you are having fun.” That’s how the saying goes. I see time literally flying by. Today is the last day of school for the kids. How did this happen? I feel like we just got into our routine! (We’re finally making it to preschool on time!) Weren’t we just talking about apples on the trees and making book bags? As I dropped the kids off this morning, I got a little choked up thinking about how far we have come from our first days at preschool a few years ago, when we all had tears. Now my oldest is learning to read and sends me off with a smile. My husband helped me to realize something important. He said, “Time flies when you are having fun, but can feel interminable when things are not going well.”

This week we also celebrate our ninth anniversary of being married.

Had I known how important the choice of a partner is at the time of making this choice, I would probably still be single. That is not to say I wasn’t focused on finding love in my twenties. I was. But, that had more to do with a happily-ever-after fantasy and an idea that my life was moving forward. I wasn’t truly envisioning life together for the next 75 years. Washing dishes, watching sunsets, raising children, drinking wine, and sitting on the couch together. When we chose to be together it was more like the Bruno Mars song, Marry You. “Its a beautiful night, we’re looking for something dumb to do… Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you!” When Gus proposed to me in the waves at Hapuna Beach on the Big Island, I said to myself, “I’m in love with this guy! Of course I’ll marry him… Why not?!?”

I would chalk up finding my great partner to luck and timing. My husband sometimes reminds me (in jest), that I “shot the moon” when I met him. But, he is correct. I did shoot the moon. And, so did he. We are well-matched. We are not alike in everything, but rather challenge each other to think about life in different ways. We work on our differing communication styles daily! I believe that there might be other people in the world that we could have ended up with, but our timing worked. We were ready to meet one another. We have mapped our lives previous to meeting and strangely enough (having grown up on opposite coasts) there are at least three other times we could have met. We both agree we probably wouldn’t have fallen in love had we met at those other times. Luck and timing.

I’m probably not the first to tell you this, but marriage is work. It is negotiation and compromise. But, it is also the most wonderful thing to have a “great partner in life”. In my toast to my husband at our rehearsal dinner, I described the feeling of being with him, as “coming home.” Thankfully, that feels more true today than it did nine years ago. He is my best friend and the first and last person I want to talk to each day. Everyone has their own criteria for love, whether we really know what we are looking for or not. I don’t think either of us really understood the big decision we were stepping into – I think young couples rarely do. It is a choice of faith and hope and a bit of luck as well.

I feel supremely lucky to have found a great partner to share all these moments with and I cannot believe that nine years have gone by so quickly. If we weren’t happy (most of the time), nine years or nine months might just feel like a lifetime!

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Classic Strawberry Freezer Jam

Published on May 31, 2013July 20, 2013 by poolepartyof51 Comment

After two years of making jam, I am poised to make some changes this year. I love the process of canning, but I realize like beet salads, not all jams are equal.

Over the past few years I have been canning classic strawberry and raspberry jam, among other things. Since strawberries are usually the first berries to ripen each spring those are the ones I start with. As I see that strawberries are starting to show up in the market, I need to be honest with myself that I have not been totally pleased with my past results.

Part of my personal ethos is that if I go to the time and effort to make something, and I am still thinking about the store-bought inspiration, something is wrong… I am in favor of preserving the best of the season, but not if the end result is something just sort of okay. It seems like a crime to take beautiful, ripe berries and cook them into something that does not resemble those fresh beautiful gems. So, last year I changed things up and made both classic canned raspberry jam, as well as two different recipes of freezer raspberry jam (one with Pomona’s Universal Pectin and one with Certo Sure-Jell). The whole family had a clear favorite of these three and agreed that it rivaled the delicious store-bought version that our family enjoys (Our favorite local store-bought jam: Sunfresh Freezerves). My kids loved the most classic homemade freezer jam recipe, made with liquid pectin, and our homemade jam was happily consumed all year long… lasting our family through April of this year (we make lots of cream cheese and jam sandwiches)!

This year my plan is to cut out making the jams that lose the beauty of the original fruit and instead only make the berries into freezer jam that will be gobbled up by the family… Because, after all, that’s the point, right? And just for the heck of it we’ll start the freezer jam extravaganza with strawberry jam this year. Hopefully I can make enough freezer jam this season to get us through next May! We’ll see, we will have one more sandwich eater this time around! (Note: I still plan to do traditional canning this season, but only with fruits that work well with this process.)

Freezer jams are extremely easy to make. They take about half the time of the cooked method, and result in a softer set, fresh fruit taste. They do require a lot of sugar, so look for Sure-Jell for Less or No Sugar Needed Recipes, if you are looking to limit the amount of sugar used. I am using the Sure-Jell Certo recipe for Quick & Easy Freezer Jam. Although I try not to use any added pectin in my cooked jam, I have had my best results using liquid pectin in my freezer jam. When making freezer jam, as with any jam (and especially with strawberries), it is important to measure exactly, otherwise your jam may not set correctly.

Classic Strawberry Freezer Jam

Ingredients

2 cups crushed strawberries

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

4 cups sugar

1 pouch liquid pectin (Certo)

Wash and rinse plastic containers with tight fitting lids. Use 1 to 2 cup size containers.

Wash and cut up berries, discarding stems. Crush berries 1 cup at a time, using a potato masher for best results. If using a food processor, pulse to a very fine chop. Do not puree. Jam should have bits of fruit.

Measure exact amount of prepared fruit into a large bowl.

Measure exact amount of sugar into a separate bowl. Stir sugar into prepared fruit. Mix well. Let stand 10 minutes; stir occasionally. Stir pectin into lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir pectin mixture into prepared fruit mixture. Stir constantly until sugar is completely dissolved and no longer grainy, about 3 minutes. (A few sugar crystals may remain.)

Pour into prepared containers, leaving 1/2 inch space at top of container for expansion during freezing; cover.

Let stand at room temperature 24 hours until set. Refrigerate up to 3 weeks. Or store in freezer for up to 1 year. Thaw in refrigerator.

Enjoy!!

Life Lessons on the Playground

Published on May 24, 2013May 24, 2013 by poolepartyof5Leave a comment

The topic of “love” is current in our house again. You may remember last year when the boys were starting school in the Fall that marriage and friendship were topics of conversation. Throughout the year, we have continued to talk about what makes someone an attractive partner; whether it is more important for a friend to be kind, play with you at outdoor time, or laugh at all your jokes. A first kiss has transpired. You will be happy to know that no official proposals have been made though. The kids have continued to get to know one another and the families are being introduced at this point. Thankfully, Sam took my advice that no quick decisions needed to be made in the area of marriage. But, there is a new twist on “love” that has gotten me thinking again.

The singer, P!nk, has come out with a new song called “Just Give Me a Reason”. Side note: You should know, I am a enamored with P!nk. I love that she exudes female strength and many of her songs speak to confidence and self respect (and she is currently my favorite artist to run to). “Just Give Me a Reason” is a song that I enjoy and happily the Top 40 radio stations agree with me, as they play it all the time. I’ll let you in on a little secret, when we are driving around, and need a break from Caspar Babypants, the kids and I sing along to popular hits. Historically, it is the random lyric that makes my eldest ask a question regarding the meaning of a particular song (but it doesn’t happen all that often). The other day Sam said to me, “What does that mean? Why are they learning to love again?” At first, I had no idea what he was talking about, but then I realized his question was tied to this particular song. Concurrently, I realized that this will be a new concept for him. The idea that love might not last forever and that it might also cause hurt and pain. For adults, this reality stares us in the face all the time, but for my children this tough lesson has yet to be learned. A fact I am pretty darn happy about. I told him I would have to think about how to answer his question and began puzzling over how to explain this concept to a 5-year old.

My son has tried the monkey bars at different points in his short life and they have always been appropriately tough. After attempting those vexing bars at the park, we typically move on to playing on the slide, climbing, or trying the swings. Then, one day I got a call. Sam had successfully traversed the monkey bars! He was with his grandmother and his voice was bursting with pride – like riding a bike with no training wheels kind of pride! He was so excited. On the next sunny day, he couldn’t wait to show off his new skill, but sadly, that day, it didn’t work. Whether he was tired, the bars were slippery, or the moon was in the wrong phase…who knows why, he couldn’t do it again. He tried, and tried, and tried. In one of his failed attempts, Sam even fell and hurt his knee. But, he got up and tried again. He has a scar that will stay with him for awhile from all his repeated efforts. At the time he was pretty distraught, but as we left the park that day, he told us that he had done it before and would try again. As a parent, that is when I felt proud. Not after his success (although I was happy for him), but after he failed and knew he would try again. To this day I have not seen him successfully get across those darn monkey bars, but I remember the happiness in his voice after that first time.

The lyrics of “Just Give Me a Reason” go like this:

Just give me a reason
Just a little bit’s enough
Just a second we’re not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again
It’s in the stars
It’s been written in the scars on our hearts
We’re not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again

Continue reading http://www.songonlyrics.com/pink-just-give-me-a-reason-lyrics#ixzz2UE103xHG

The fact that we all have scars is universal. The fact that we can choose to “try again” is what is so beautiful to me in this song. We’re not broken, just bent. We have all been hurt by things, whether it is a broken heart from love, or from attempting the monkey bars. To have been hurt by something, and to be willing to try again is what makes us illogically human. To hold the hope that the next time we might experience a different result… Someday, I hope to be lucky enough to watch my kids get their hearts broken by love. Obviously their hurt is not something I will relish, but the knowledge that they are putting themselves out in the world to be vulnerable to life is what I look forward to witnessing. I hope to teach them that risks are worth taking and to know that some of the time they will succeed in finding what they are striving for.

Summer is coming and we will have plenty of sunny days to visit the park practice and our monkey bar skills. There may be some skinned knees along the way, but I am confident that by September, this will be a skill that Sam can feel proud of and he will have the scars to prove it.

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Frog Legs Birthday

Published on May 15, 2013May 26, 2013 by poolepartyof52 Comments

We are having glorious weather in the Pacific Northwest and you can thank me because all it took was planning Duncan’s 4th birthday party inside to encourage those rays of sun to shine, shine, shine… Like bringing an umbrella on a walk, so too, does planning an indoor birthday party encourage the fickle Seattle sun to appear! (Click here for last year’s party: Rain Rain Go Away)

Frog Legs is a hidden gem! It is a kids culinary school, located in the Mount Baker neighborhood of Seattle, and is run by the beautiful and talented Mrs. Frog Legs, Laura Vida. She is a picture of calm, as children bustle into her home to spend a few hours learning the particulars of measuring, stirring, and most of all having fun! Every time I see Laura in action, I am impressed by her positive demeanor and her amazing memory for all the children’s names. My kiddos have attended fabulous week-long summer day camps at Frog Legs in the past, which made it a natural choice for Duncan’s 4th birthday party location. (Well, and the fact that we could be inside if it was pouring down rain.)

Mrs. Frog Legs made it a very special day for Duncan. Very Berry Smoothies, Create Your Own Pizzas, and Confetti Cupcakes were on the menu for the day. The kids had a blast cooking, listening to some fun stories, as well as playing outside in the lovely yard. I do enjoy planning a party, so I had to let go of that a bit by having our party at Frog Legs, but Laura’s attention to detail and decoration made me feel that I was in my own home, only better – since no clean up was required! And I mean really, look at those cupcakes… pretty much every kid’s dream!! Marshmallows, and gummies, and chocolate chips – OH MY!!

Mrs. Frog Legs wrapped up the event with Duncan giving each of his birthday friends a recipe book of the day’s treats, a wooden spoon, and a homemade frosted cookie. What fun!

Every so often, I believe it is the perfect choice to make things easier on ourselves, versus harder and more complicated. This was one of those choices for me. Duncan had a lovely day and so did I. I was so relaxed, I think we might have even gotten a photo of our whole family!! Something I definitely would have forgotten if I had been hosting this party!!

Thank you, Frog Legs, for making Duncan’s birthday feel super special!

If you live in the Seattle area and are looking for a fun activity for your children this summer, check out the Frog Leg camps – your kids will love it! And, as Mrs. Frog Legs says, “Hoppy Cooking!”

Pretty Pickled Beets

Published on May 9, 2013 by poolepartyof52 Comments

Recently I heard beets described as “pedestrian”. I was shocked… at first. I thought to myself, “In what world are beets pedestrian?” But after chewing on this for awhile, I am ready to admit that the presence of beets on restaurant menus has become de rigueur. Like caesar salad, beets have become a mainstay within restaurant culture, everyone has their own slightly different version – some more successful than others. Because of my love of beets, I can be counted on to order pretty much any beet on a menu. I am very reliable that way. Whereas at one point in time I was just happy to see the word “beet” on a menu, now I am becoming an expert and paying attention to how the beets are prepared and what accompaniments they are served with. This has made me realize that not all treatments of beets are equal and I have become more discerning in my “beet love”.

Here are my unscientific findings:

I prefer beets cold versus warm
I like beets best in salad form, greens optional
Beets show off very well alongside salty cheeses (such as feta or goat) and earthy nuts (such as pistachios or walnuts)
Roasted beets are nice, but I have learned that I like them better once they have been marinated in vinaigrette or pickled. They are similar to mushrooms in that they are a great vehicle for other flavors, since their own flavor can be subtle and earthy.

If you are thinking about preparing beets at home, it can feel a bit intimidating at first, with their long greens and dirt-covered skins. But roasting beets is quite simple and I recommend that you try it, if you haven’t before. (Here is a step-by-step guide to roasted beets.) Pre-prepared beets are also available in most grocery stores. I even saw a huge container of them at Costco the other day (maybe they are pedestrian after all)! The question is, what do you do with these beets once roasted or taken out of their vacuum pack? Have you opened that container, hoping to replicate your favorite restaurant-quality salad only to be a bit disappointed? I have learned that by just letting them hang out in a vinaigrette for a half hour or so before adding them to a salad does wonders, or… (drum roll, please)… You can pickle them for later use!

This is my first foray into the world of pickled beets. When I began to think about attempting this project, I did my usual routine of consulting all of my canning cookbooks to compare processes and flavors. Every canning cookbook I own had their own slightly different version of beets. This tells me that although I am new to the process, the pickling of beets is quite standard. The recipe I ended up adapting is from Kelly Geary and Jessie Knadler’s book, Tart and Sweet: 101 Canning and Pickling Recipes for the Modern Kitchen. I liked that their recipe for Sweet Apple Cider Baby Beets didn’t use loads of sugar and the spices seemed nicely aromatic, but not too crazy. I have doubled the recipe in their book and added white onions, as I believe if you are going to the trouble of canning you may as well make more than just a few pints, if possible.

Pretty Pickled Beets

yield: about 8 pints

ingredients:

6 pounds baby beets, scrubbed

1 white onion, cut into large slices

4 cups water

2 cups cider vinegar

4 tablespoons kosher salt

4 tablespoons brown sugar or honey

per jar:

1/2 teaspoon allspice berries

1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns

1 star anise pod

1 cinnamon stick

Have ready hot, sterilized jars and their lids. (After cleaning my jars, I like to keep them in a 200 degree oven so that they are ready when I am.)

Trim the beets by cutting off the top part, near the stem, as well as the root end. Place the beets in a large non-reative pot (if using different-colored beets, separate them into two saucepans). Cover with water and boil for about 15 minutes, or until the beets are just tender. (Roasting the beets is also fine.) When the cooked beets are cool enough to handle, peel them and cut into slices 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick.

(Note: The beet skins should slip off easily – just rub them with your fingers. You can wear latex gloves to prevent your fingers from getting stained. If you have trouble slipping off the skins, you can also use a vegetable peeler.)

In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the vinegar, water, salt, and brown sugar to a boil. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.

Place allspice, peppercorns, star anise, and cinnamon in each hot jar. Divide beet and onion slices among the jars, packing tightly without bruising them. Ladle the hot vinegar mixture into jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Make sure the beets are fully covered with the liquid.

Check for air bubbles, wipe rims, and seal. Process in a water bath for 10 minutes. Let the jars stand undisturbed for 24 hours and then set them aside for 1 week for the flavors to develop. If a seal has failed, store the jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Enjoy your beets straight from the jar or mixed into a salad!

Happy Pickling!

Choose Kindness

Published on May 3, 2013May 3, 2013 by poolepartyof5Leave a comment

A small gift from one friend to another... — A small gift from one friend to another…

Is my preoccupation with the idea of kindness because I am adjusting to the fact that my oldest will be starting elementary school in the fall? Is it that I am around the 5-&-under set all day long and witness both trivial and monumental disputes on an hourly basis? Is it possible that R. J. Palacio’s book, Wonder, has entered my consciousness in ways I am still trying to figure out? Yes, on all accounts.

My husband and friends can attest to the fact that I am someone who is highly sensitive to the media that surrounds me. Books, song lyrics, and television all touch me in ways that can alter my outlook for weeks at a time. Because of this “media sensitivity”, we just do not watch scary movies in our home. Then, there was that time that I was reading The Black Dahlia and Gone Girl in book club, and I was sure my husband was evil. Believe me, he isn’t, but I think I slept with one eye open for a full week… You can imagine how much he loved that phase. Well, the opposite is true too. When I have been positively touched by a book, that sentiment stays with me as well and for a time becomes the lens with which I view the world.

Wonder, is that kind of book.

August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting fifth grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face… In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R. J. Palacio has called her debut novel “a meditation on kindness”—indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. (from http://choosekind.tumblr.com/)

Each day we have the option to “choose kindness” in big and small ways that can have huge meaning to those around us. When we are in line for a cup of coffee, do you greet the barista with a smile, or feel annoyed that you had to wait? When you see that other preschool mom that never smiles, do you say “hello” anyway? When you fix yourself a cup of water, do you get one for your partner? When you are sitting at the lunch table are you the person that scoots over to make room for someone new? Or, do you look away? Whether out of fear, insecurity, and shyness over the years, I can think of too many examples where I have been one to look away. But… I’d like to be the person who moves over and makes room for one more. The one that smiles and says hello. A person who actively chooses kindness.

Recently, another preschool mom remarked that she enjoyed a post I wrote about struggling with friendships that are in transition (click here to read, In Between). She voiced that lately she felt as though she is “back in high school”. I think that what she meant by this is she feels the constant effort of trying to make new friends and find one’s place. We can all relate to this universal struggle. Yet it is see easy to see peers acting critically of one another, casting judgement without empathy. Aren’t parents (and women specifically) known for this frustrating behavior? In Wonder, there is a quote that states, “If every person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary – the world really would be a better place.” I feel like it all boils down to that. Being kinder than is necessary. Whether you are a child entering elementary school, a teenager searching for acceptance, or an adult still looking for your place, we can all choose kindness as a place to start. That much is within our power. If I could pass just one lesson onto my children, I believe this might be it. I think that these small acts can move mountains.

Wonder has started a national movement that I wasn’t aware of as I began writing this post. Kids are reading Wonder and realizing how important these acts of kindness are in our relationships. There is even a CHOOSE KIND pledge. There have been so many examples of hate and cruelty around us lately, it is possible to wonder if there is any good left in the world? But here is an example of love and grace. People are signing this pledge and believing in kindness (I think I am number 11,331)! Whether you sign the pledge or not, I hope that next time (and every time after that) you choose to be “kinder than is necessary”.

Dill Carrots

Published on April 25, 2013 by poolepartyof51 Comment

It is getting to be that time of year again! Canning season is approaching and Dill Carrots seem like the perfect recipe to begin the season. This great recipe is perfect for beginners as it is super easy and very straightforward. If you have never tried it, pickling something is extremely satisfying! You get to hear the joyous “pop, pop, pop” sounds in you kitchen as your jars seal… And it requires less time and stirring than small-batch jams. Plus, the vibrant jewel-toned colors are enough to brighten anyone’s day!

Dill Carrots were introduced to me by a friend who also claims the title of “most accomplished canning lady I know.” She brought them to a canning party I threw and everyone raved about them. When she mentioned that her kids gobble them up too, we all immediately requested the recipe! Dill Carrots is inspired by a the recipe in Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving. This canning cook book is a great guide for just about anything you might wish to preserve. The Dill Carrots recipe is quite versatile in that you can add spice (or not), make with fresh dill (or use dried if not available), cut up carrots from the garden (or use bagged baby carrots from the grocery store). All variations produce a nice perky flavor that will add interest to your antipasti trays or make a great garnish for sandwiches. This time around I decided to double the batch and make half out of bagged carrots and half cut from full size. I will report back in a few weeks if I can tell any real difference in the flavor or texture of this variation. I also omitted the red pepper flakes, as I wanted to make this batch family-friendly!

Dill Carrots

Makes about seven pint (500 mL) jars

6 cups white vinegar

2 cups water

1/2 cup pickling or canning salt

7 cloves of garlic, halved

14 sprigs of fresh dill (if using dried dill, use 1/2 teaspoon per jar)

3 1/2 teaspoons hot pepper flakes (optional)

5 lbs carrots (20-30 medium, ends removed, peeled and cut diagonally)

Prepare canning water, jars, and lids.

In a large steel saucepan, combine vinegar, water and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve salt.

Place 1 clove (2 halves) of garlic, 1 sprig of dill, and 1/2 tsp of hot pepper flakes (if using), in each hot jar. Pack carrots into hot jars to within a generous 1/2 inch of top of jar. Top with second sprig of dill. Ladle hot pickling liquid into jar to cover carrots, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Insert chop stick or skewer into jar and move around to release air bubbles. Wipe rim with wet paper towel. Center lid on jar. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip-tight.

Place jars in boiling water bath, ensuring they are completely covered with water. Process for 10 minutes. Remove jars, let cool completely, and store. Your Dill Carrots will reach full flavor after a few weeks of “marinating”.

You will be surprised by how popular these guys are. We easily go through a jar whenever one is opened whether we have company, or it is just our family snacking on them. You can see that my kids are reaching for them even as I make them!

A few more tips: Remember that canning is about preserving great produce, so can with the best ingredients you can find. When packing jars for pickling, pack the jars as tightly as possible, without bruising produce, as the liquid will make everything float and ingredients will shift around. I find that I never cease to be surprised by this. Canning, especially if you are just beginning, is always more fun with a friend or two. Use this project as the excuse to get together with a like-minded friend! The act of having a project to do together always takes away the guilt I feel when just getting together with someone for coffee and a much-needed catch up. That may not be your hang up, but it is one of mine.

Happy Pickling!

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Serious Kale

Published on April 17, 2013 by poolepartyof51 Comment

I have been obsessed with kale salad for two weeks now. I recently went to dinner at Serious Pie in Seattle. If you are not familiar, this is one of Tom Douglas’ restaurants. Tom Douglas is a Seattle restauranteur, famous for his delicious crab cakes and many successful restaurants. At Serious Pie, he has re-imagined pizza for the better. The crust is super thin and topped with delicious items that although delicious, sometimes require a bit of navigational help from one’s server. My favorite pizza on the menu is the traditional buffalo mozzarella, tomato and basil; showcasing the beautiful technique and high quality ingredients used at this establishment. We often order this simple beauty along with a more exotic pie, think seasonal mushroom and truffle cheese or sweet fennel sausage. The pizza is phenomenal, but leaving the restaurant on this particular night, I was still thinking about kale.

We had decided to try Serious Pie’s second location, Serious Pie Westlake. I prefer this location to the original, it seems to have a bit more seating and there was no wait at all! We ordered our food, planning to share. The kale salad arrived I had to hold myself back from gobbling down the whole dish. A second plate was quickly requested from our server. Not only did it taste fresh and lemony, but the texture was nicely soft.

I have been riding on the kale bandwagon since last summer. My husband literally rolled his eyes when I start whipping up yet another kale salad. Usually they involve everything but the kitchen sink, but not this one. This salad’s beauty is in its restraint. I had to try to recreate it.

Serious Kale

(inspired by the kale at Serious Pie), serves 4

Ingredients:

1 bunch lacinato (or Tuscan) kale

1 1/2 oz Garlic Olive Oil

juice of 1 lemon (about 2 oz)

1/3 cup finely grated parmesan (I prefer pecorino), reserve a bit for a garnish

pinch of sea salt (to taste)

1/3 cup pine nuts

finely sliced calabrian chilies (used at Serious Pie, but omitted this time around in hopes that my kids might try it)

Wash and cut out ribs of kale. Dispose of ribs. Roughly chop greens. Massage chopped kale with olive oil, lemon juice, parmesan and salt (I find this part nicely therapeutic). Let rest 30-45 minutes. This step is important. By allowing the kale to marinate and rest, the texture softens dramatically. Add pine nuts and salt to taste. Garnish with additional parmesan. Serve. Enter culinary nirvana…

So this is my second attempt at trying to get this recipe just right. Last week I tried it and amazingly, three of the four of us who enjoyed dinner together were all attempting it on the same night! Seriously, Serious Pie??? We had not spoken since having dinner the week before. Clearly I was not the only one dreaming of kale…

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Do you Zaarly?

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