The return of Canning!

Pickled Fennel with Orange

Pickled fennel with ORANGE?  ew...until I read the blog at the above link.  I wasn't a big fennel fan, actually raw fennel still repulses me.  It used to be out at my grandparents house during holidays and every year I would turn my nose up at it.  NOT THIS YEAR (as long as it's pickled that is!) :)

This is a recipe I will be making in large batches, because it's THAT good.

For those of you who make your own broth, be sure to save the fronds and leggy parts of the fennel.  I took my tops and added them to my chicken bone/veggie bits bag in the freezer.

Start by chopping off the tops, cutting the bulbs in half and then cutting out the hard inner core. Then slice them as thin as you can.

                               WALA!  Place in a bowl and add salt...then let sit according to the directions. 

                              Then slice up your oranges and cut them into quarters or even by section.

                                         Mix the oranges with the fennel and add some pepper!

                                    I was a bit disappointed no one guessed what the ingredients these were HERE. 

                           It's ok you can leave me some love on this blog or on my facebook wall instead ;)

 Then stuff the mix into your mason jars, and fill with the pickling mix.  Since this is a quick pickle, you can put it straight into the fridge, wait 48 hours and then dig in.  I waited 2 weeks before I opened my jar, and then ate it over the course of the next 2 weeks.  IT.IS.AMAZING.  We use it in salads, on pita bread and on sausages. 

Liz (my sister-in-law who inspired me to start my pickling adventures, as well as my loyal pickling follower) you will love this.  If you don't have time to make it this summer, tell me and I will have one ready when you come home :)

If there is something you would like to see me pickle, let me know in the comment box below!  I'm on the hunt for a new veggie!

Meet Joselyn & Lilly - they are just the sweetest.  Joselyn is 2 and greeted with me lots of hugs and chatter :) A perfect way to start a session.  She introduced me to "her baby" Lilly LOL, she is going to be an amazing big sister.  Well...she already is really...

*Side note - I love black and white photos, but always give my clients every image in color just in case!

We started out by taking a few of Joselyn while she played with her toys.  She is quick on her feet, but I managed to be quicker :)

 

After we were finished with her photos her dad took her to ride the carousel at the mall.  She gave me a big hug and kiss goodbye and I begged Jodi to let me take her home.  Unfortunately she said no :)

We were in the perfect room for a newborn session - LOTS of windows and natural light, wood floors and a pretty painted wall.  If only I had a studio so I could have a setup like this all the time!  Jodi, her sister Jamie and I had a ton of fun playing with Lilly.  Here are her newborn photos:

                                                              She has the most amazing head of hair!

                                                                            ohhh squishy face <3

 

 

She has the grumpiest, squishiest face that I absolutely loved.  And those cheeks! Despite the furrowed brow, she was very happy and patient with me.  I was able to get her to drift off to la la land for a bit :)

One more that will make your heart melt....

I'm so excited to be booking newborn sessions in advance for this summer.  If you have a due date and would like to have newborn photos taken, let me know and we'll pencil it in!  Also be sure to ask about my maternity/newborn package as well as the Baby's First Year package. <3