March, 2011

Homegrown Sauerkraut

I love helping life happen, so the prospect of a billion microbia having their way in our pantry, is up there with a compost pile in my book.  Add to this scene high quality nutrition and tangy delight that compliments just about any meal and that is what I call a winner.

In a food processor, chop up a bunch of cabbage and daikion, maybe some beet and celery, add some ginger or chile for zing.  Mix in a good bit of salt, mash it into a big jar or croc, and make sure there is enough brine to cover the veggies.  Let it set a few days and voila!  Call it German Kraut or Korean Kimchi, either way the verdict is “mmmm, yeah I like it!”

Don’t miss out on a book called “Wild Fermentation” by Sandor Ellix Katz if you want to get serious, or just give me a call for more pointers.

World Peace – From the Ground Up

SERVAS is a peace organization for travelers and hosts.  It is really simple, and really great.  Host folks in your home from different cultures and ethnicities and inevitably you will see individuals, not stereotypes and labels.  It is hard to bomb folks that have a face and a sense of humor.  This organization gives the chance to get to know people from other places personally.

I started as a traveler in my younger years and have enjoyed hosting occasional travelers in the years since.

The standard is a 2 night stay, and no money is exchanged.  There is an interview process to help screen members.  In this way and the older more peace oriented membership it differs from newer internet based organizations like CouchSurfing.org, which I have heard good things about too.

June, 2010

Growing Cherries, in San Diego!

My 1 year old yells at me, “Papa!  Moah!” and our neighbors ooh and ah over the fence in envy at this arboreal specimen.  We planted a couple bare root cherries 3 winters back and I was skeptical.  Walter Andersen Nursery had a couple purportedly low chill varieties I decided to try – “Minnie Royal” and “Royal Lee”.  Stone fruits are in the Rose family and roses tend to be tolerant of heavy soil.  Our soil is heavy, our subsoil is shallow and hardpan, our climate is almost coastal, and our trees are rocking.

Double IPA in Golden Hill

Jamie and I try to get out on Fridays for “date night”.   We were on our way to an art gig in Barrio Logan and stopped in Golden Hill for a nibble on our way.  Counterpoint is a small craft restaurant.  It is slick and modern décor softened only by this really creative use of bright paint between some vertical siding.  The appetizer was tasty, but I really want tell you about this beer.  Majaraja, a double IPA out of Colorado.  Check it out if you get a chance.  http://www.counterpointsd.com/

Mom and Pop Car Mechanic

I like my mechanic.  Anthony and Lisa Nguyen have Safety Auto Repair in the college area (619) 265-2099.  I like knowing the owners, knowing who my money is going to, and getting to talk with the guy who actually looked at my air filter.