pickling workshop at the hammer with artist jen smith

These images are from "the art of pickling" workshop at the Hammer. It was so fun, something I hope I can continue to do in the future now that I know how. Jen Smith was a great instructor, and it was inspiring to hear her talk about making art as being meditative, and pickling the same way. She said that to her they are the same, making things with one's hands while listening to fun music.

My pickles were mainly cucumbers and carrots, but she had a few varieties for us to try.. My favorites were the pickles, but also the cauliflower which I can't wait to make in the future!

step 1: cut up veggies and put in mason jar















step 2: (or maybe you could do this before the veggies so the spices are at the bottom) put in any kinds of spices you want with the "brine" (vinegar with acidity 5% or more, tbsp salt)

here - star anise, bay leaf, coriander seeds, california pepper






she also showed us how to make marmalade - a bunch of grapefruit and the rinds/lemon rinds with a ton of sugar - then you let it simmer for a couple of hours.

joey and i didn't stick around long enough to try this, but boy did it smell good!