Carrot Ginger Sauerkraut Recipe 475

Steps:

• Combine the sliced cabbage, carrots, ginger, and salt in a large glass bowl. With clean hands punch down, squeeze, and manipulate the cabbage mixture. You'll notice more liquid in the mixture as the salt draws water out of cabbage. Continue this for another 10 or so minutes until the mixture is soft. When you push the mixture down, you should notice juice rising to the top. Ladle cabbage mixture and brine into clean Mason jars, leaving about 2" headspace. If you need extra brine, mix 1/2 cup filtered water with 1/2 tsp sea salt and use as needed. Below brine is key! Veggies exposed to oxygen will grow mold. The brine protects the veggies so you want to weigh the mixture down under the brine. A spare cabbage leaf sprinkled with a pinch of sea salt will help keep any of the determined tiny shreds below the brine. Place this down first, then add a Crock Rock weight over the cabbage leaf, and press down until fully submerged. The brine should cover the mixture by at least one inch. During the fermentation process, gases are created - they need a place to go. Covers that let the gas escape while keeping oxygen exposure minimal are ideal. Kraut Kaps are fantastic for eliminating oxygen exposure but also letting the gas out. Let your ferment sit at room temperature {68-72 degrees F, warm but not humid} dark location. Be sure to occasionally check for signs of mold. Kahm yeast {white in color, no dark color /black or fuzzy growth it it} is NOT the same as mold. The sauerkraut can ferment for 3-4 weeks even upwards of 12 weeks - it depends on where you live, and even to your taste. Store in the fridge where it will keep well for several months, if it lasts that long...

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Scoop seeds out of the butternut squash half, and place cut side down onto a greased baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until softened. Allow to cool, then scoop the squash flesh out of the skin using a large spoon and set aside. Discard skin.
• Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and cook, stirring until onion is translucent. Pour in the water, and add squash, carrots and ginger. Bring to a boil, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or until carrots and ginger are tender.
• Puree the mixture in the blender, or using an immersion blender. Add boiling water if necessary to thin, but bear in mind this is meant to be a thick creamy soup. Return soup to the pan, and heat through. Season with salt, pepper and cinnamon.
• Ladle into serving bowls, and pour a thin swirl of cream over the top as a garnish if desired.