Memories Fade and People Change

When I started this blog I had no idea how important it would be. I've struggled with depression related to my Menstral cycle since puberty. Only recently did I start to take my mental health seriously and get to the bottom of this feeling.

My best friend hit the nail on the head this morning when she text me. "have you ever wondered what it felt like to be swallowed alive? Try having chronic unmanaged depression"

My mission statement of this blog is to find joy in the littlest things in life. To see a light in the dark. After a hurricane there's a rainbow type stuff.

So much has changed since 2009. A revolving door of characters and drama. Both in the good and bad sense.

Now what? The sun is peeking through the ashy clouds of a much-needed summer storm. Keep moving. Keep dreaming. Keep creating! I take so much fucking pride in my creativity.

I think that the central message will stay but will be a little more vague. I'm starting a culinary program and I actually should keep track of my creations.

Today's recipe is for Bread and Butter Pickles. I love pickles. Throw it in a brine I'll devour it!
I recently got to learn a little bit about the fine details of what makes pickles so fucking good. I will continue to learn as much as I can with the ultimate goal to own and operate my own food...er...place. That's down the road so fat I can't even see it but you know keep dreamin' ;)

Whats really important about what I like to cook is making the most of a pantry. Use what you got!

Bread and butter Pickles
makes 1 quart of pickles

1 large Cucumber
1 T Salt
1 cup White Vinegar
1/2 Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 cup White Sugar
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1/8 cup dried spices
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1/2 cup onion, thinly sliced

Wash and slice cucumber
toss with salt and cover with water
Leave it to soak for half hour to an hour
Meanwhile bring to a boil and then simmer the rest of the ingredients
----I thought I had some store-bought "pickling spice" but alas. SO I pulled from what I had! I love whole spices because they last longer and are easier to control the potency. for this recipe I used a Bay Leaves, Dill Seeds, only a couple Juniper Berries, and some Long Peppers. Long peppers look like a long skinny pine cone and taste like pepper and pine! yum!
When your mixture is fragrant take it off the heat.
Fill a wide mouth mason jar with cucumbers layered with onion slices. tightly packed.
Pour liquid over veggies.
If there isn't enough liquid add some salt water from the soak.
I had extra cucumbers so i did a small jar too. Seal and put in the fridge.

I will update on the development and fridge life!

oh boy oh boy oh boy!!
xoxo britt