A Quick Update on Lisa’s Counter Culture
Pickle Season!
The Krazy for Kefir workshop is sold out for June 23rd. But don’t worry, new workshops will be added mid-September. I should have the dates available by late August.
I will be crazy busy getting my book, Lisa Counter Culture Cooks, (or something like that, feel free to send suggestions for a book title. If your title is chosen, you will get a free copy!) completed for release this fall.
In the meantime, there are two other titles worth checking out. I did contribute two recipes to a book called Cultured: Make Healthy Fermented Foods at Home. To get your copy, visit here. I do receive a small commission if you purchase using this link. (Thanks in advance if you get a copy). Sandor Katz also wrote a new book called the Art of Fermentation. A pretty interesting read – and like his earlier work – I recommend modifying his recipes to the he appropriate closed-air system for most of the lactoferments and also to pay attention to the other variables such as temperature and duration as I teach in my classes. Interestingly, you can also read this book on Google books for free! Check it out!
I do have the full line of Pickl-it jars in stock as well as the Himilayan Super Fine Grind Salt, JJ’s Amazing Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, Lisa’s Kombucha Tea Blend and Red Boat Fish Sauce. Pickup by appointment. I am available for brief coaching sessions if you need some more immediate help with your cooking/fermenting projects. Email me for an appointment.
New Local Favorites to Share
I’ve discovered a few more hidden gems. There is a great local chocolate shop called the Chocolate Garage. Sunita, the owner, stocks what she calls happy chocolate – this is the real deal – truly fair trade and high quality chocolate. Many of the producers are bean to bar and some are even made in the same country they are grown in. Free tasting on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm in downtown Palo Alto. You won’t find artificial stuff in these bars and for the purists – there are many with just cacao and sugar – that’s it – no soy lecithin, vanilla extract, nothing!
Grindstone Bakery (also available through mail order too!) can now be found easily in Palo Alto! Country Sun Natural Foods carries several of their products including gluten free breads and treats. If you do eat grains, there are the bomb! Delicious and here’s why I think they are worth consuming. Grindstone mills, soaks and ferments their grains on site. These are all handmade and traditionally prepared. Delivery is on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The most digestible grains out there in the marketplace.
I still love the Milk Pail in Mountain View for Evergreen Farm’s Organic Duck eggs and Marin Sun Farm’s Grassfed Beef (only $4.89 a pound). Claravale raw milk is also sold here. Milk Pail also offers a wide selection of raw milk cheese too!
And for those not local – be sure to check out Wise Choice Market for properly fermented and cured veggies and juices – they ship all over. The fermented garlic flowers are amazing!