Who wants to be Happy?!?!

Here is an article that was on Time's Face Book page that had a particular section that related to what I am doing with this blog.  The 3rd section talks about trying something new, that even if you fail at first it will make you happy once you complete it.  http://time.com/3176508/unexpected-ways-to-be-happy/  In the movie Happy, I remember a part that said when running take different paths.  New experiences is been found to create happiness in humans.

I love this movie because as the title suggests, it gets to the bottom of what almost every human wants...to be HAPPY! 

Pickled Veggies

I got my inspiration to do this via my mother who incidentally taught me my love of food; how to can tomatoes etc and pickle.  I also watch Portlandia from time to time and they aired an episode that went over the top (as they usually do) with pickling!

I wanted to lead off with vegetables because there is not many on the market.  I began with a recipe from my mother which was similar to many I saw on the inter-tubes.  It was half H20 half white vinegar and just under 1 cup of canning salt.  I boiled this mixture while preparing my jars with a host of different ingredients:

·         Garlic

·         Mustard Seeds

·         Hot pepper flakes, Jalapenos, Habaneros etc.

·         Dill  

·         Alum-used for keeping vegetables crisp.

I started with broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and peppers (for color in the jar).   After packing the jar with my veggies and ingredients I poured the boiling liquid mixture in, wiped the rim of the jar and screwed a new lid and band.   I turned it upside down on a dishtowel to cool and seal.  Jars seal when the rubber gasket adheres to lip and you cannot press the center of the lid in anymore. 

I continued this process with pickles, green beans, cabbage and green beans.  Remember if you want to save it for later, pickle it!  You don't have to be a prepper to enjoy pickling:>

About me and what I am doing

My name is Jason and I live in Denver CO with my wife Holly.  I am 39 years old and work for a beverage company.  I grew up in Iowa where I joined the Coast Guard after High School.  I graduated from the University of Iowa and then attended culinary school in the Mountains of Colorado.  I have worked in restaurants, retail and outside sales.  I have decided to take on a new skill/hobby every 30 days and learn as much as I can about it.  Some things will be passions of mine and some will be something I do not know much about.  I would be happy to hear your suggestions and comments.