Pittsburgh Fermenters and Adventurous Home Cooks Swap Meet, and My New Page- “What’s Bubbling!”

Canning has been on the upside of popularity lately.  Something that was once normally done by grandmothers to preserve fresh crops, grew out of favor, or it seems it was lost on a generation.  It is now becoming the trend not just to preserve seasonal items, but to test your adventurous mad scientist streak to see if you can create something awesome.  Something you made all by yourself!

Pickling, fermenting, shrubs, wine making and brewing are huge now,  and Phil and I are no exception to be caught by the bug.  We have been brewing for years, and just recently started making wine.  We pickle just about anything, and have dabbled in fermenting and new some shrubs!  Simon Huntley is a friend who recently created a Facebook page to get like minded individuals together to share ideas, tips and recipes. It is called Pittsburgh Fermenters and Adventurous Home Cooks.  Check it out if you get a chance.

Recently, he hosted a swap where about 15 of us brought our creations, and our ideas together so we could test and taste what each of us had made.  I was blown away by some of the items people had brought.  We had pickled items, smoked and cured ham( made by my awesome cousin Lou Kroeck, kefir milk, kombucha, sauerkraut, bolognese sauce, beers, and wine amongst other items.  My favorite of the evening was a shrub made by Heather Milukas with apple cider vinegar, apples and cranberries. We added it to whiskey, and it was amazing!!!   Phil and I are on a mission to make it now, that I crave it! The day was a success, and I can’t wait for the next swap!

I have added the category “What’s Bubbling!” to my website to keep track of items we make, whether good or bad.  I also encourage people to post in the comments things they have made, mistakes, victories, recipes and tips!!!!!   I love that Pittsburgh is getting really into these processes.  Cooking also applies!!! It is so exciting to try to make something you normally wouldn’t at home.  Feel free to post recipes you love, or want to try!

I posted some pics of the swap below!  Hoping more people will get into this, if only so we can taste it!  😉   Pittsburgh Fermenters and Adventurous Home Cooks Group Page