I Took the Plunge, twice

I pickled yesterday. Baby zuchinni. I have been stalling on this endeavor because I have a mortal fear of botulism. It is said to be invisible after all:)

I also made medicinal garlic oil. Actually, it is infusing now.

Canning is not hard, but it takes patience. Took forever just to sterilize the jars. Just on waiting for that much water to boil. And I quickly realized that I need lots more equipement for safety reasons.

One elusive tool? An ordinary kitchen funnel. I can’t beleive that this is all so uncommon in such a great city as Chicago. Goes to show who will be prepared in the big city. Apparantly, nobody-or very few.

My best friend G. called me yesterday. She has been busy with a sick sister and taking care of her granddaughters. I asked her if she had a funnel and if she knew how to pickle. She had no funnel, was angry about not being able to find rennet and informed me her 81 year old neighbor has a canning factory in her basement. She is going to ask her if she will take some time to teach us. That is just what I need. A live teacher.

G. says the lady seems lonely enough so may actually comply. But, I still need a funnel. today.I will tell you why when I find one. And I tried being ingenius and making my own, but I need the right size.

I am also ordering rennet for G., who grew up on a farm in Puerto Rico and knows how to make some cheese and makes a mean hot sauce that she is going to teach me to make as well.

Otherwise, all is well.