ALL IN A PICKLE recipe swap

Well my Dearies, I'm all in a pickle!

I was just saying to young Jasper of the Downs, within the walls of the Great Hall Kitchen garden, (that I am privy to foraging for the table fare), being that we are shortly to see the third moon of Summer and our own gardens a flourishing - "Why do not we invite the village to show us what they've been up to in their pantry, cellar or larder preserves?"

Having spoken to my Lady on the topic, and the sampling we shall have from her own kitchen garden, Lady C veritably agreed to open the Great Hall a fortnight next Wednesday, at two of the clock. Her Ladyship will provide punch and tea, for everyone to share a generous bowl, and behooves me to ask of our villagers to bring your daughters and sons, so they might see the workings of the garden and kitchen if they are of an age for employment. The Great Harvest is drawing close come Autumn, and we are in need of fresh faces to add to the Manor Estate.

That being said, her ladyship will also provide an ample spread of fresh bread and rolls from the Coopers Mathilda and George's Bakery and butter freshly churned by our own Innes on Mondays.
Bring a pot or jar of your best preserved vegetables and we shall make a fine afternoon of it.

Mrs Townsend, would you be so kind, as to help me in the kitchen on the day, and your delicate herb rolls would be a treat with the pickles - there are a few items that need your sampling and opinion if I may?
Phebe and Hester, please may we task you with a plate of your famous scones?
Mrs Sedgeway - may we be blessed with one of your Challah bread?
And Mrs Wallis, may we be so bold as to ask Mr Wallis for a case of his cider? Lord Joseph will reimburse him for the trouble. We will indeed be close to heaven!

Mrs Lawson,

Cook to the Big House, Comely Estate

Here is a receipt from my own copy of The Compleat Cook, to try on your own vegetable gatherings from the garden or hedgerow - use what spices you have at hand, your own vegetable choices. I am showing pickled onions here...

To Pickle Small Onions -
Peel your Onions, and throw them into Water, then put them into a well-tinned Saucepan, with Sault of two tablespoons and Water bring to the boil, and just let them stand til they are cold, and then well drained. Then make a Pickle of White Vinegar, the palest you can get, with Mace, sliced Ginger, a few White Peppercorns, some Mustard seeds, and Sault to your Taste. Give it one boil up, and let it stand til it is quite cold, then add to it a two spoonfuls of the best Flour of Mustard. And after you have put your Onions into Jars, pour Pickle upon them to top. Close Jar with a Bladder and String.
The Compleat Cook 1767, 2/-6d a copy

THE SWAP

ALL IN A PICKLE - You have a selection of vinegars options for your canning or pickling - Apple Cider vinegar, Malt vinegar or white vinegar.
Choose what vegetable you wish to hero, and add your favourite spices and herbs as you will.
Take progressive photographs at least two, and the final bottled result photograph. Send these PHOTO's along with a note from your character and a quick word or two from yourself, all in an EMAIL to ONE partner. Voila - that is it.

PLEASE NOTE< this is a TYPE 3 swap even though it is email. Your efforts are worthy of this and a good hearty five.

Here is a valuable link to a lovely blog page that talks of CANNING practice for healthy clean successful results.