I Eat. Therefore I Am.

I've been doing a lot of eating and making lately. The sad thing is that I am not picky. I eat just about anything. There are a few things I wouldn't necessarily eat if I wasn't in a "picking" mood (i.e, radishes and celery), but I still eat them when I feel like munching on something, because anything is better than nothing. Don't ya think?

Many years ago Mom-Mom used to pickle watermelon rinds. To some that may sound strange. As strange as crackers and gravy at Thanksgiving. But it's something we grew up with.

When I was pregnant with Spenser, I pickled some watermelon rinds, and my mom's sisters went crazy. No one had had them in years, as Mom-Mom got older, and it was a special treat for Thanksgiving that year. (We are actually having Mom-Mom's "birthday" party this weekend. Maybe I'll have to take a jar.)

I hadn't really thought much about them until recently, when a friend on Facebook mentioned she was pickling them. Dang! That was all the motivation I needed. Yesterday was "pickling watermelon rinds day." Sadly, all the work only made five pints, but I have another melon that needs eating, so maybe I'll make another batch.

If you're interested in making your own, here is a recipe. The recipe I use is from the Ball Blue Book (which has current reproductions). I'd have to say I've gotten my money out of this book. It is invaluable. It's probably the second-most-used book in our house. The first is my scriptures.

Comments

Kelly said…
I grew up with Grandma making watermelon-rind pickles too (though I didn't eat any - not a fan). She doesn't make them anymore that I know of (she just turned 90), but the memory of it is still so sweet. Thanks for reminding me!
Marty said…
Yup, my mom made pickled watermelon rinds too. I liked them better than regular pickles.
LunaMoonbeam said…
Heh...for one second there, I thought I was looking at my own blog. Funnt how all pickled watermelon rinds look alike.

(I'm really glad I'm not the only one who leaves some of the red on! My mom used to cut it all off...but I think the red looks kind of festive!)

Oh, and I think I'll be kicked out if I pickle any more watermelon. As it is, BBJ and I are the only ones who will be eating this year's four pints. ;-)
Diane said…
Now I'm all curious as to what they taste like! That Ball Blue Book is on my Amazon wish list. I guess I'm not in any hurry because I feel too pregnant to learn to do canning right now... but soon!
Stacey said…
I have never heard of such a thing! I am guilty as well. I made some brownies a few days ago for a party and of course there were some left..I had to throw them away cause I was eating WAY to many!
Cindy Is Crafty said…
My Mom made watermelon rind pickles every year with watermelons from our garden. They were yummy. I have not had them since she passed away about 25 years ago, but loved them.
Myrnie said…
Yum! I haven't had these since I was a kid- Aunt LoLo has (sweetly) suggested I bring a sample of...everything I canned this year to our family reunion next week. I think I'm going to suggest she do the same! :) Those look delicious- great job :)
erica e said…
oh! i'm intrigued. i've never had them but have always thought they sounded interesting and fun. is it a sweet pickle?
i love the ball blue book! its such a great resource!
FinnyKnits said…
I'm always impressed by the value of a book I bought at the hardware store. That thing is awesome. I've never tried the watermelon rinds though - might have to do that if I grow melons again. Nice!
Amanda Jean said…
i agree. eating anything is better than eating nothing. unless it's pickled beets. then nothing is the way to go.
5 or 6 years ago a girlfriend and I went away to a B and B in PA on Labor Day weekend and at this cute little gem of a homecooking restaurant we had pickled watermellon rind. I have been talking about it ever since! Just as I don't like cucumbers but like pickles, don't like watermellon but love the pickled rind. Clearly I like vinegar! I found some in the regular grocery store about 2 mos ago and it was ok but not like that first homemade plate. I keep saying I just need to give myself a day to try making a batch myself.

Popular posts from this blog

Reusable Swiffer WetJet Cloths

Thrifted Chair