We’re on a fermented foods kick here lately, and with good reason: fermented foods are really good for you! We’ve been brewing our own Kombucha (which is essentially fermented tea), eating fermented vegetables like daikon and carrots, and now also fermenting our own pickles. In the past, we have really enjoyed the Bubbies brand fermented pickles, and wanted to try making our own. Originally, we planted some Boston pickling cucumbers…

Pickles and I go way back. I can remember frequenting the fridge late at night as a teenager and scarfing down half a dozen pickles (first Vlasics, then Claussens once I wised up). I have always loved the distinct snap and crunch of a good pickle. The briny taste of a kosher dill pickle is unlike any other taste. As evidence of my love for pickled cucumber spears, consider this: my favorite bar at Penn State was Bill Pickles. No, I am not maki…

We recently had the opportunity to try some of Tropical Traditions Green Label Virgin coconut oil. We have loved every product that we have tried from Tropical Traditions, so we were really eager to try out their coconut oil. Coconut oil is our staple cooking fat in our home. Coconut oil does not have an overpowering coconut flavor, so it is really ideal for all cooking. The slight hint of coconut flavor adds even more dimension to the dishes…

…emember being so excited to pick raspberries in my grandparents back yard garden. My dad has followed in his mom’s foot steps by starting a garden of his own where he mainly grows pickling cucumbers and herbs for making pickles (see Todd’s Pickles for the family recipe). Bill’s mom is another garden angel. Her yard is like a magical land of flowers and vegetables, and I am always amazed at the beauty she can create. Thankfully,…

…ay?) We got a bag of fresh, cut sweet potato spears from Trader Joe’s, seasoned them with olive oil, salt and pepper, and baked them in the oven. It was very simple! We were also fortunate to have some fresh, homemade pickles with our meal. Hayley’s dad has pickled cucumbers for a few years now, and his homemade pickles this year were outstanding! It was a lucky coincidence that he called us to pick up a jar the evening of making…

…t oil for this. I use it to take off my makeup and wash my face. It has worked better than any other professional skin care line/Dr. prescribed skin care I have tried in the past. I really like using Tropical Traditions Green Label Coconut Oil for skin and eating. Beauty Balm – the smell is a little funny, but this stuff is literally like magic! Primal Life Organics – If you really want a skin care regimen, but don’t want harsh…