Meet the newest tool in the hand-powered arsenal at Hounds in the Kitchen: A cider press! Charlie of Windy Hill Apple Farm had this press on display with a for-sale sign the last time we visited.  I immediately recognized it as a well maintained machine for a good price. We debated for a few days about whether we need a press when: 1) we have no apple tress, 2) even if we moved to a [...]

We picked another 1 1/2 bushels (60 pounds!) of apples at Charlie’s Apple Farm today.  I was talking with some fellow pickers how to store apples.  I learned this method from Charlie himself and tested it last year: 1) Wash apples with clean water. 2) Still wet, place in a plastic grocery sack. 3) Tie loosely. 4) Store in crisper drawer of your refrigerator. That’s it!  Choose unblemished apples and rewet as necessary.  From apples [...]

Apples are my favorite fruit.  They keep well, are crunchy and sweet, travel easily, and are completely delicious. Being that we live in the land of Johnny Appleseed, Ohio apples are in abundance from June – October.  We pick bushels (literally) and eat apples fresh, dried, and sauced. Applesauce is easy and tasty to make yourself.  There are several methods, all involving these four simple steps: 1) Core and peel (optional) apples.  Add spices or [...]

I love apples and I love autumn, so it follows that I love spending a day apple picking. For three years now we have been loyal patrons of Windy Hill Apple Farm, home to Charlie’s Apples.  It is an organic farm with a selection of specially chosen disease resistant trees located north of Johnstown, Ohio. The farm name was fitting as today’s weather included high wind warnings.  We picked Liberty apples, some of the best [...]

When I was co-leading the Freezer to Table class at Wild Goose last weekend I realized that we completely missed the first step in produce preservation: proper storage of raw fruits and vegetables. Many foods can be preserved in their raw state for a long time if done at the right temperature and humidity.  Here are tips for extending the life of your fresh local foods, whether from your garden, farmer’s market, or CSA: ~Eggs: [...]

The past two days might be better categorized as mass consumption. Saturday, Alex and I went to IKEA to order cabinets.  We chose the tildaholm style door (pictured in this post) and antik drawer pulls.  It took 2 hours to complete the order, but I’m glad we were there in person as we found a cool deep stainless sink that allows for more drawer cabinets. They will be delivered via Ikea’s local delivery service, so [...]