HOMEGROWN Holiday Swap

[Cornelia]

OK, let's get organized in here! I've got pints of apple butter and dilly beans - who wants to swap what they've got? I'd love some dill pickles, or some kind of fruit preserves - cherry jam! Whatcha got?

**11/13 Update** Aliza and I have come up with an idea: Whomever would like to join in a swap for the holidays should comment here. In a few weeks, on, let's say, December 7th people will be randomly assigned a swapping "partner". You will then exchange addresses privately and send each other a box of preserved goodies.
So far, we have the following swappers:
Aliza
Torry
Megan
Cornelia
Jessica White
Rachel Fowler
Adriana
Magpie Ima
John C. Scott
Emily Soulliere
Janice Kubo
Janis Freeman
Maria Jett
Blue Sandefur
Steve Racz
Cyndi
Mo
Cindy Whittaker Putnam
Chef Edmund Patrick/aka Hobokeneddie
Ellen C
Sharon
Charles Hudson
Kim Bennett
Carolyn

I'll update this list as people leave their comment. Fun!

[Torry]

I'd offer up some 1/2 pints of blackberry jam for some apple butter. Also have Mint jelly...lemme know.

[Cornelia]

OK Torry - you're on! I'll email you my address and will pack up a pint of apple butter in anticipation of getting your address, too. Thanks! Look at how easy that was!!

Torry said:

I'd offer up some 1/2 pints of blackberry jam for some apple butter. Also have Mint jelly...lemme know.

[Aliza Ess]

I have a lot of relish made from watermelon rind, banana peppers, tomatoes, and onions. It's sour, sweet, and a little spicy.

I haven't been able to come up with very many recipes using the relish though.. any ideas? The only thing I've been able to think of is eating it with cheese and crackers. It might be nice on top of a good sausage.. perhaps if I make a veggie sausage or something?

[Torry]

Hmmm...who'd you prep the watermelon rinds? Are they large chunks, shredded, ?

[Aliza Ess]

Prepping the watermelon rind is definitely a task for patient folks! Luckily I find chopping vegetables to be very meditative.

So I cracked open a beer, popped in a DVD, and slowly carved away the rind and chopped it into 1/2 inch pieces. Carving the rind from a whole watermelon took about an hour and a half.

Definitely worth it to me. Although I don't often eat the watermelon pickles at a meal, they make a very fun gift and potluck item. I've been thinking about using the watermelon flavored vinegar in a sweet-and-sour syrup mix for making mixed drinks or sodas.

[Megan]

I want in!

I have some cherry jam (1/2 pint jars) and plans to make pumpkin or squash butter in the near future. I make apple butter every year, but haven't gotten around to it yet. Will let you know if I do.

I would love some dilly beans! Or relish!

I also have pickles and sauerkraut, but they are lacto-fermented and not canned, just refrigerated. Happy to arrange a swap with any interested parties in NYC.

[Aliza Ess]

Hey Cornelia,

Perhaps there could be a separate swap area on the site, where people could post everything they're willing to swap in a list, and then people could search by region or by what item that want (preserves, relish, sourdough starter, kombucha starter, etc.)

Or maybe there could just be different discussions set up in the "Resurrect the Barter" section?

What do people think?

[Rachel Fowler]

I'm in but I don't have any preserves but I do love baking...... Let me know if this might be able to be included in the fun.
Rachel

[Adriana]

Wait a minute, I don't do preserves... Any other items acceptable?

Adriana said:

Count me in!

[Cornelia]

I say yes! Anything homegrown or handmade. Edible is preferable, but it's ultimately up to your swapping partner.

Adriana said:

Wait a minute, I don't do preserves... Any other items acceptable?

Adriana said:

Count me in!

[Magpie Ima]

Oooh! I'm in! I have lots of different half pints of fruit preserves to share: apricot jam, peach butter, blueberry marmalade, cranberry marmalade, and more.

[John C. Scott]

I have homemade soap , many scents some with oatmeal it is all our family uses and the bars last a long time and include only simple ingredients i's love some recipies for canning katie