Peck of pickles resources provides useful tips on heat treating, online resources for pickling, cocktails, photography.
Heat treated pickling
Heat treated pickling uses sterilised jars and heat processing of pickles to extend the shelf life of your pickles. These processes are some of the most daunting when you first start pickling so I have compiled this brief guide to heat treating pickles.
Sterilising jars
Wash jars and lids in hot soapy water, rinse well. Allow to air dry. Place clean jars on a baking sheet and into 110 C oven for 15 minutes or until completely dry. Boil lids for 5 minutes in a saucepan on the stove, allow to air dry.
Inspired by Cornersmith Salads & Pickles (2017: 211-212).
Heat processing
To heat process pickles and relishes use a large saucepan and place a clean tea towel in the bottom to stop the jars touching the base of the pan, keep them away from the sides as well. Match your water temperature to the contents of your jars to avoid the jars breaking. I like to boil my jug and then place water into a medium saucepan and fill with cold water until I feel it’s the right temperature. Fill the large pot so that the pickle jars are either submerged or ¾ covered. Bring slowly to the boil over medium heat – 10-15 minutes for 500ml jars or 20 minutes for larger jars. Heat treating pickles increases their shelf life (check individual recipes for more details).
Inspired by Cornersmith Salads & Pickles (2017: 211-212).
Useful links: pickling, cocktails, photography
Find my peck of pickles online guide to useful links below for: fresh and Australian indigenous ingredients, pickling and ferments, cocktails and mixology, responsible service of alcohol, photography and styling.
Seasonal produce
Visit your local farmer’s market or green grocer to find fresh seasonal produce, such as the Organic Food Markets at Orange Grove Public School Lilyfield or your local Harris Farm Markets.
Australian indigenous ingredients
See Herbie’s Spices for Australian indigenous ingredients.
Pickling: Vinegar pickles, shrubs, ferments
Visit Cornersmith for more information about cook books, pickling supplies and pickling workshops. Check out Cornersmith blog for online recipes.
Cocktail education
See the Fine Drinks Movement for free online Cocktail education.
Mixology education
Visit Sydney European Bartender School for Mixology education including vintage cocktail recipes and history and how to make bespoke bar products.
Craft spirits & distilling education
Visit University of Adelaide for information on Fundamentals of Spirit Production course.
Responsible Service of Alcohol RSA Education
Visit Express Online Training for online Responsible Service of Alcohol RSA training or view more information on RSA training at Service NSW.
Vintage cocktail books online
Visit EUVS Vintage Cocktail Books for free online searchable vintage cocktail books.
Photography education
Visit Sydney Community College for photography courses.
Styling: Props, fabrics
Visit Reverse Garbage and Rozelle Collectors Market for upcycling materials: fabrics, vintage props.