How to Make Refrigerator Pickles

These pickles are so yummy and they didn't last more than a couple of days in the fridge because my hubby ate them all up! This year we planted Boston Pickling Cucumbers. We had so many I just had to try pickling my own. These cucumbers are also very delightful by themselves. I'm pretty sure these are okay on my current diet plan.

Ingredient

5 cucumbers
4 cups of white distilled vinegar
5 cups of water
6 cloves of garlic
2 teaspoons of red pepper chili flakes.
*You can also add dill to this recipe. I, however, did not because we didn't have any in the pantry.

1.  Clean and wash your cucumbers. Once they are washed slice them length wise.

2.   Arrange your cucumber slices in your Ball Jar. 

• Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes per jar
• Add 3 cloves of garlic to each jar

3.  In a large pan, boil the water and white vinegar. Once it comes to a boil, ladle into each jar. Fill to the very top and put top on. Screw the ring on tightly. 

4.  Turn your jars upside down a couple of times and allow them to sit on the counter for 12 hours. Turn your jars again and allow them to sit upside  down for another 12 hours. 

Enjoy!

Kale Chips, Red Wine, and 30

Recently, I have been trying to be more conscience about my health. Last year, I made a vow to be fit by 30 and it looks like the opposite happened. I gained 15 pounds. I'm 30 years old and I'm at the heaviest I've ever been.

It started with my 5 year old informing me that I needed to take care of the mustache on my lip... It must have gone a little too long between waxes, but it was all I needed for me to take an extra second in the mirror and realize how the past ten years have really aged my face. I have found that as I age, magical black hairs pop up all over my face. I don't remember worrying so much about the hair on my face. Not a fan!

The past couple of weeks I've really committed to at least 4 days a week of 45 minutes of stationary cycling. I've not been working out for the past couple years and there is really no excuse anymore, as I continue to gain year after year. I've also picked up on some cross training and yoga.

There is something invigorating about finally taking care of yourself. I have put myself last in a lot of areas and I finally realize if I keep it up, the people I care for wont have me around as long as I would wish.

Not that I want to turn this into a fitness blog, because I am not expert at that, but my wellness has become a big priority for me recently and I hope it becomes a lifestyle change. So you may see a few fitnessy posts in the future.... I hope you don't mind.

I've also managed to take some time for myself and unwind. Relaxation is gold for me and it's made a difference in my overall well being. Friday night I had decided to indulge in a little red wine and wanted a snack to go with it. Watching my calories has been another practice, so I brainstormed what I could make.

Amazingly, kale chips rock and pair wonderfully with red wine!

Kale Chips

What you need....

10 leafs of kale
Garlic powder
Salt
Pepper
Olive Oil

What you do....

Preheat oven to 375.

Chop the kale leafs and discard the stem. Lay the chopped kale out on a baking dish (make sure to spray your baking dish first)

Drizzle the kale lightly with some olive oil. Lightly season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Bake in oven for 15 minutes.

Take out of oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Enjoy!


I really liked the way these turned out. I can see these kale chips being very versatile and using then as a casual snack or dressing them up for when we entertain. Next time I might add a little chili pepper or cayenne.