Pickles Please

Linds already blogged about this but we decided to try and replicate, not the delicious pastries or sandwiches from Tartine bakery, but what lots of people probably toss aside without a second thought; the spicy pickled veggies that come WITH the sandwiches. You may wonder why we'd try and do this. Linds and I have always been kindred spirits when it comes to our love of all things pickled or sour. The more pickles, capers, lemon or lime a dish has, the better. If you're wondering who buys the huge 25oz. jars of capers at Costco? This girl. Steve & Pat weren't quite as excited for the project.

We picked all the cutest carrots & radishes from the garden...
and scrubbed them clean.
It was so inspiring to pick fresh veggies!!! I know I know...home grown is so popular these days but the most Steve and I have grown here in SF is a few herbs on the roof or fire escape. Actual carrots? Unbelievable (having an actual garden may get me back to the burbs sooner than later)!
Here's the jars before we added our pickling liquid, some chili flake, hot peppers, bay leaf and peppercorns.
Look how lovely! Only thing is we had no idea how they'd taste. We could only wait a few days and keep our fingers crossed.
A day before I sampled them myself, I read an update on Lindsay's blog that we were indeed successful! Next time we'll use more red pepper for even more spice & heat but it was a valiant effort for a first try. I tasted them last night and they were delicious! But I thought it might be more enjoyable for you to witness Steve, the non-pickle lover's, reaction.

First, a carrot. So nervous.

I think this picture is my favorite.

So he didn't really appreciate the carrot. He was a good sport and I managed to convince him to try a more traditional cucumber. VERY nervous. Actually, he looks more sad in this picture. Defeated.

Look how hard he's trying to like it!
In the end he said the cucumber was good but the carrots, cauliflower and radishes were more than he could take.
Thanks again Linds!