October 2009 Newsletter

Hi Neighbor!

We've got big things planned for the holiday seasons here at Todays Harvest (read more below!). But don't forget we still have produce! Tomatoes are hanging in there, we have plenty of onions, cabbage and more. Pick out your pie pumpkins now so you can freeze and store pureed pumpkin for all winter. Stop in soon!

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See You This Week....and the Next...and the Next... Something BIG is not happening at Todays Harvest this week. We're not closing! As you've noticed, we've added a lot to the store since building, including Todays Harvest Flowers this year. We will now be open year-round, and we look forward to serving you as a full-service floral shop and much more. Beginning in November, our hours will be: Monday -- Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. We will have extended holiday hours, also, so you can take advantage of our homemade baked goods, Santa's Workshop for Kids, holiday floral arrangements, and hundreds of gift items. We can supply all your fresh greenery needs for wreaths and garlands (let us know soon if you think you'll want a lot -- it will help us order), as well as swags, candle rings and more. You might even see some Christmas trees for sale! During Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks, we'll bake so you don't have to. Stop in and pick up pies, bread and sweets for your holiday gatherings. See you in November! Check the website regularly for updated store hours!

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RECIPES: Sauerkraut Remove outer leaves and any undesirable portions from firm, mature, heads of cabbage; wash and drain. Cut into halves or quarters; remove the core. Use a shredder or sharp knife to cut the cabbage into thin shreds about the thickness of a dime. In a large container, thoroughly mix 2 tablespoons salt with 3 pounds shredded cabbage. Let the salted cabbage stand for several minutes to wilt slightly; this allows packing without excessive breaking or bruising of the shreds. Pack the salted cabbage firmly and evenly into a large clean crock or jar. Using a wooden spoon or tamper or the hands, press down firmly until the juice comes to the surface. Repeat the shredding, salting, and packing of the cabbage until the crock is filled to within 3 to 4 inches of the top. Cover the cabbage with a clean, thin, white cloth (such as muslin) and tuck the edges down against the inside of the container. Cover with a plate or round paraffined/waxed board that just fits inside the container so that the cabbage is not exposed to the air. Put a weight on top of the cover so the brine comes to the cover but not over it. A glass jar filled with water makes a good weight. An alternative method of covering cabbage during fermentation consists of placing a plastic bag filled with water on top of the fermenting cabbage. The water-filled bag seals the surface from exposure to air and prevents the growth of film yeast or molds. It also serves as a weight. For extra protection the bag with the water in it can be placed inside another plastic bag. The amount of water in the plastic bag can be adjusted to give just enough pressure to keep the fermenting cabbage covered with brine. Formation of gas bubbles indicates fermentation is taking place. A room temperature of 68 to 72 degrees is best for fermenting cabbage. Fermentation is usually completed in 5 to 6 weeks. Fully fermented sauerkraut may be kept tightly covered in the refrigerator for a few months, it can be frozen in sealed freezer bags, or it may be canned.

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In the Spotlight New feature this month! We will occasionally be spotlighting a product from our store that is unique or timely. In light of the upcoming "baking season", we thought our aprons were a perfect fit for the first installment. Aprons! Since you're going to be in your kitchen anyway, making meals for your families (and maybe more, during the holidays), why not do it in style? Our quilt-style aprons keep your clothes from getting stained and liven up the job that has to be done. The adjustable neck and waist tie string makes them perfect for all cooks. They would also make a great gift for the cook in your life. Our store also carries an assortment of cooking and baking untensils that make making the meal easier -- pastry brushes, spatulas, potholders and many more. And if you want to streamline the food prep even more, pick up one of the dip, baking, or dessert mixes we offer!

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Come visit us for your produce, flowers or gift needs. See you soon!

The Jordans