Time to Plant the Peppers

So I just got done planting peppers for the garden. I had some success last year with growing peppers from seed so this year I really went for it. For starters I did go with a red bell pepper and it’s the biggest pepper start I have. I know BORING! Here’s the good stuff: I’ve got some Jimmy Nardello’s peppers started. These are typically fried with onions and sausage for sandwiches.

 

I’ve also started some Jalapenos. I chose a species that is not so hot but makes up for it with an improved flavor profile.

 

The Atris Hybrid is an Italian bullhorn type pepper. These are also typically fried but they’re sweet enough to use like a regular bell pepper.

 

I love pickled peppers and I’ve planted a ton of cherry peppers to take advantage of this. I first experimented with pickling last year and I’ve been surprised and excited by how easy it is to get some fantastic pickles.

 

Finally I’ve planted some Count Dracula peppers. I don’t know what they taste like and I don’t care. These are coolest looking peppers ever. The leaves of this pepper are a deep jet black. Purple flowers turn into black peppers. The peppers turn a blood red color when ripened. I can’t wait to see these!

 

I’ll have pictures when there is something to show off. Till then!

Alex

I love salt!

If you are a lover of salt and chocolate and fine things I highly recommend an awesome little store located off Mississippi Ave in Portland, Oregon called The Meadow.  I happen to be a lover of salt and was really excited when Jeneen told me about The Meadow.  Since she told me about it, Tim and I have made two 145 mile trips to Portland just to go to this store!  They have an online store as well (check it out here) but I appreciate the fact that in person I can taste a pinch of the salt before I buy it.  Our favorite salt is the Red Alder Smoked salt.

It tastes good on almost everything!  I add it to my sunny side eggs for breakfast, mix it in with avocado to spread on a sandwich, and Tim adds it to his rub mix when he smokes meat.

It has a dark, rich color and smells so, so good! 

 

If you live in the PNW give this place a try.  It has a lot to offer in the chocolate, bitters, and flower department as well and there is an AMAZING ice cream shop next door called Ruby Jewel that sells salted caramel ice cream.  A serious win/win!

 

I also have exciting news in the bridge lock department.  Locks have been added and I couldn't be more pleased. 

~another glorious day~

J.M.Riley