From Wrenching to Whisking

Pickled Jalapeños

These spicy, sweet, vinegary peppers are a great addition to any savory meal: eggs, burgers, hors d’ oeuvres, etc. Simple preparation and awesome flavor!

Ingredients:

• 4—5 jalapeño peppers, depending on size

• 1C water

• 1C white vinegar

• 2t sea salt

• 1t black pepper

• 2T local honey

Instructions:

1. Slice the jalapeños, keeping the seeds in for more heat, or removing them for less heat. Set aside.

2. Bring water, vinegar, salt, and pepper to a boil, then simmer on low heat.

3. Put sliced peppers in a sealable canning-type jar, and drizzle the honey over them.

4. Add the hot pickling liquid (carefully & slowly) to the jar and cover the peppers completely.

5. Put the lid on the jar, invert several times, and refrigerate for 1 week.

6. Enjoy!

NYE Meatballs From Grok on X

Hey there! I've got just the recipe for you that'll make your New Year's Eve meatballs stand out without the sweet sauce. Here's a savory, herby meatball recipe that's perfect for the slow cooker:

Herb and Garlic Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (you can also mix with pork or veal for extra flavor)

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)

• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth (for the slow cooker)

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined - don't overwork the meat or the meatballs could become tough.

2. Form Meatballs: Scoop out portions and roll into balls about 1 inch in diameter. You can use an ice cream scoop or your hands.

3. Brown (Optional): For extra flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes on each side. However, this step can be skipped if you're aiming for simplicity; they'll cook through in the slow cooker.

4. Slow Cooker Setup: Place the meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the broth over them to keep them moist and flavorful.

5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs should be cooked through and tender.

6. Serve: If you find there's too much liquid, you can cook on high with the lid off for the last 30 minutes to reduce it, or you can serve as is, with the liquid acting as a light, flavorful broth.

Tips for Serving:

• You might want to serve these with small toothpicks or skewers for easy eating at a party.

• If you want a bit of sauce but not sweet, you could offer a side of garlic aioli or a simple herb dip (mix mayonnaise with minced garlic, lemon juice, and some of the herbs used in the meatballs).

• A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a bit more Parmesan right before serving can elevate the presentation.

This recipe avoids the sweet sauce, allowing the flavors of the meat and herbs to shine through, making it perfect for those who prefer savory over sweet. Enjoy your New Year's Eve celebration!