Italian Giardiniera Mix, Homemade

Sprinkle these treat on salads, or serve on a relish tray.  My husband especially likes pickled cut veggies, and for years bought jars at the grocery store.  

Several years ago a golfing friend shared this recipe, and I tweaked it adding celery, jalapeno peppers with a few red pepper flakes, as fresh chili peppers aren't an ingredient always on hand.

Examining jars in the store I noted they mostly contain cauliflower, carrots, celery and a pepperoncini or two, so I improvised using my melon baller to cut out rounds of onions as a substitute for pearl onions.  All in all it's a very good clone, and of course saves money over buying commercial jars.

You can be creative by combining the kinds and amounts of cut veggies you want in the jar, but cauliflower florettes are the main ingredient.


Italian Giardiniera Mix, Homemade
Fresh chili peppers of choice, or red pepper flakes, or jalapeno slices
2 cups water
2 cups vinegar
2 tsp. salt
cauliflower, cut in florettes or smaller
carrots, cut in thin coins or use baby carrots
pearl onions or largely chopped
garlic cloves, whole, or a  tsp. of minced
pitted green olives
sliced red and/or green pepper pieces
sliced celery pieces
2 quart jars

If using fresh chilies, poke several holes near the stem, or use pepper flakes.
Combine water, vinegar, salt and pepper flakes and boil for one minute.

Fill jars with assortment of veggies and pour hot liquid over and screw on lid.  Cool and refrigerate for two weeks.  This recipe makes enough liquid for two quart jars.  If making more double the water and vinegar.  Store in refrigerator.

Estimated cost: for 2 quarts  $3.00 or less.

Thanksgiving Potato Dumplings

Our family has enjoyed these ever since I was a young girl, as we always looked forward to grandma's German Potato Dumplings, which she made once a year at Thanksgiving.  I've made them for over 40 years, and extended family members make them, too, as a tradition.

 I usually make a double or triple batch, as there's always leftover turkey to go with them in the days after Thanksgiving.

I also make other types of dumplings during the year depending on how I serve pork or chicken but these are my "Thanksgiving Dumplings."

Thanksgiving Potato Dumplings
3 medium dry baking potatoes, Idaho if possible
1 beaten egg

Dumplings on Slow Boil

1 tsp. salt
1/2 to 1 cup flour

Boil potatoes with skins on.  Peel and mash while hot. A potato ricer works well, too. Let cool, then add salt, egg and mix well.  Add flour last starting with a 1/2 cup, mixing and adding more until dough holds together and is firm enough to roll into small balls, about 2 to 2 1/2 inches round. They should not feel tacky.

Drop in boiling salted water. Boil uncovered for 10 minutes until done.  When they start to boil, reduce heat and let boil slow. They should float to the top and simmer. Test by cutting in half on plate to see if cooked in the middle.  Don't cook too long or they will fall apart.

Remove with slotted spoon and place in shallow serving dish covered with gravy. Keep warm in the oven until ready to serve. Good with poultry and gravy.

Serves 4.  Double recipe for 8 or triple for 12 servings.
Estimated cost: .52 cents or less;  .13 cents a serving or less.