Peripatetic philomaths…focusing on what's really important, eating ethically and cleanly, fermenting, foraging/wildcrafting, practicing herbalism, and being responsible stewards of our land. Sharing our photos, musings, and learnings. Still seeking our tribe.
With winter’s approach, my thoughts go to ferments, and how particularly satisfying – and beneficial – they are at this time of year. Cool-weather vegetables, such as brassica, lend themselves to making easy and delicious living foods like sauerkraut and kimchi. Why not make some today?
Continue reading “Farm Ferments: Brassica’s Biotic Bounty”
Fall is soup season. And what beats a flavorful, warming soup that can be made from frozen ingredients – quickly and frugally? This one is full of rich, bone-brothy nourishment and can be compatible with low carb/keto diets; accompanied by kimchi, it also brings probiotic goodness!
Continue reading “Under Pressure: Korean-Style Oxtail Soup (Kkori Gomtang)”
I’m a big kimchi fan, but I usually make kkakdugi. When I recently had the opportunity to acquire Napa cabbage for a big discount, I jumped on it – and made baechu kimchi!
Continue reading “Frugal Ferments: Napa Cabbage (Baechu) Kimchi”
When you find a 3.5 pound bag of Bok Choy leaves on clearance for $.99, you snatch it up, right? Right. And then you decide whether to sauté it (delicious!!) or ferment it. This time, I opted for the latter.
Continue reading “Frugal Ferments: Bok Choy Kimchi”
I’m just guessing that there may be some people out there for whom having hands redolent of garlic, fish sauce, and gochugaru (고추가루) would be unappealing…but I actually find it rather pleasant. Why? Because I know it means some delectable variety of kimchi is underway. In a couple of weeks, the nascent kimchi – currently salty and crisp – will be perfectly fermented and full of probiotic goodness.
Continue reading “Farm Ferments: Hands-On Kimchi”
It was a cold and rainy day…the kind of day meant for indoors pursuits. I had purchased a big, fresh Korean radish (Mu 무) recently, along with scallions, and the time felt right to create something tasty from these ingredients. Having recently met someone who mentioned that she enjoyed kimchi but didn’t make it herself, I decided that some of this batch of Kkakdugi (깍두기) would be gifted.
Sometimes, food that smells really funky tastes incredibly delicious…like the Korean fermented vegetable dish called kimchi. I suppose kimchi may be an acquired taste: it’s fragrant with garlic and fish sauce, odors that some may find offensive – and it’s delightfully spicy. As a ferment, it’s full of probiotics, and the fermentation process lends it a piquant tanginess that teases the palate. In the past, I’ve purchased very fine pre-made kimchi from Korean stores, but why buy when you can make it yourself?
Continue reading “Farm Ferments: Kkakdugi (깍두기) – Korean Radish Kimchi”
