On Mon, 01 Dec 2003 12:42:26 GMT, HeatherInSwampscott
> wrote:

>Thank you for the references, I actually have the Kimchi book you
>mention above. I haven't made more than 2 batches, as I like my
>saurkraut better and I only have one crock. But in a few weeks I think I
>will try again.

What book do you recommend for pickling cabbage and other vegetables?
I am using a library copy of "The Joy of Pickling", but I suspect
there are others I should look at.

>Re the barbeque; I would love to try open pit cooking but I have yet to
>own my own yard! Right now I am in a small apartment, no yard, and no
>porch to even put a grill on : -)

I recommend that apartment dwellers take a look at the Old Smokey
Electric Smoker

http://www.oldsmokey.com/0220ES.html

You can use it near the building or on a patio because there is no
open flame.

But more importantly it makes a great slow cooker. The moisture from
the food is trapped inside so it's cooked in a moist atmosphere - you
do not put water in the drip pan because it catches juices from the
meat.

It's the unit I use to cook brisket. I also use it for chicken and for
smoking salmon. I used to cook ribs with it, but ribs do not cook well
in a high-moisture environment, so I use a conventional pit.

Old Smokey is in Houston so I was able to buy my unit rebuilt for $40.
The major outdoors retailers should carry it for around $70 new. I
also bought about every variety of wood chips available so I could
choose the flavor I wanted. I got them from a supplier in Houston who
got them from Chigger Creek.

http://www.chiggercreekproducts.com/

I would be careful with mesquite - it is very bitter. I don't use it.
Also I bought a 40 lb sack of hickory sawdust which is an economical
way to produce lots of smoke.

One of the most enjoyable ways to eat sourdough is with Texas BBQ. I
butter a thick slice, put garlic powder on it, and toast it under the
broiler - we call it Texas Toast. We'll go thru an entire loaf at one
sitting.

Our traditional Thanksgiving meal is a Texas BBQ - we haven't had
turkey on Thanksgiving in years.