Crunchy, tangy-sweet watermelon rind pickles are the perfect foil for smoked meats or pulled pork sandwiches. INGREDIENTS: One 5-pound watermelon 10 cups water 1/4 cup salt, divided 3 cups sugar 2 cups apple cider vinegar 3 slices fresh ginger root 2 teaspoons pickling spice 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper...Read More

Chutney is one of the most useful condiments to have in the cupboard! It can be used in so many different ways. This apricot chutney with almonds is packed with flavor and a breeze to make. You’ll find dried apricots available from Pulido Farms at our farmer’s markets. If you like chutney with a little...Read More

These pickled strawberries are bright, crunchy, and versatile. They are a delicious addition to salads. They are great coarsely chopped, tossed with fresh herbs, and served with seafood or used as an accompaniment on a cheese plate. INGREDIENTS: 1 cup white wine vinegar 3/4 cup red wine vinegar 6 ounces ice 1 cup sugar 1...Read More

Even though this vinegar will have a lovely cherry flavor after infusing for a week, allowing the cherries to steep in the vinegar a few more weeks will result in a much deeper, robust flavor. It’s definitely worth the wait! INGREDIENTS: 2 cups cherries, washed, pitted, and coarsely chopped 2 cups good quality, dark balsamic...Read More

This spicy tomato condiment is more like a chutney and is delicious served with a cheese and charcuterie platter. INGREDIENTS: 1 ½ lbs. good ripe tomatoes (Roma are best), cored and coarsely chopped 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 1 tablespoon fresh grated or minced ginger 1 teaspoon ground cumin ¼ teaspoon...Read More

If it sits still long enough, I’m bound to use this quick pickling technique on almost anything it seems. It works beautifully with fennel, giving a sweet and sour taste that is reminiscent of mild sauerkraut. Simple, quick, and versatile. Use it to top a salad, or put it in sandwiches. It’s great on grilled...Read More

When the weather is too hot to cook and you have a bowl full of ripe fruit, freezer jam is a method of making jam that doesn’t involve cooking the fruit.  What is especially nice about freezer jam, it is about as close as you can get to the fresh taste of just picked peaches,...Read More

If you love the taste of ripe, sweet strawberries, you’ll find that freezer jams preserve the fresh flavor best. This strawberry jam is especially delicious with freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and a dab of lemon curd. INGREDIENTS: 2 cups strawberries, crushed (buy 1 qt. fully ripe strawberries) 4 cups sugar 3/4 cup water 1...Read More