Swap we did

We had our first swap a few weeks ago, at the Garage, in downtown Charlottesville.  Among the goodies swapped were:

Handmade soap made with coffee grounds and olive oil.

(My husband wants to know if it's edible when he needs a caffeine fix.)

Granola, Caramel Corn (with and without nuts!) as well as an assortment of fruit butters.  I can't wait to try our salted caramel pear butter.

And pickles. 

We definitely learned some things from this, although everyone agreed, we need to do this again.  We'll probably start throwing around dates after the holidays.  It was suggested we include seeds at the next one and I'm game for that. 

Getting close!

Thanks C-Ville for publishing the swap in this week's small bites!
Check it out for yourself here.

First Frost.

First frost means the end of the summer bounty, which was looking scraggly anyway.

Basil, both green and purple become pesto

which freezes beautifully. 

I had no idea I had so many peppers on the Anaheim plant I had out there.  Looks like another batch of pickled peppers are in order.  I'm also going to try my hand at some pepper vinegar with those smaller ones. 

I'm down to my last case of empty canning jars, so while I'm sad to see the season go, it's good to know I captured so much of it in jars to enjoy and swap over the next few months.

Very good question.

I had a question today, would crafted items be good to swap?  I wasn't quite sure how to reply.  So I said why not?  They always say nothing ventured, nothing gained and I think that applies here.

We are off and running!

We are excited to be off and running with our first swap!  It will be held on Sunday, November 13, from 2-4 at The Garage, on First Street in downtown Charlottesville.    It is open to all, all we ask is that you RSVP and let us know you're coming. 

All items must be homegrown, homemade or foraged for.  We are looking for jams, jellies, preserves, baked goods, granola, eggs, homemade sausages, and so on and so forth.  We ask you bring a pot luck item to share and we will have a donations jar to help us cover the cost of organizing.  All other proceeds will go to a charity we've yet to choose.

See you then!