Kraut!!!

 

For those who care:

In an attempt to take control of my body and my MS I have been trying to change my diet.  Nate and I started eating Gluten-free in August. It has been wonderful with several health bonuses.  From the drastic dietary changes I made earlier this year followed by an MS exasperation to rival my past, I had a suspicion I was sensitive to gluten. I was surprised, however, how avoiding it has made a big difference for me.  This month we took Dairy out of the picture too.  Wow, that has been hard.  In an attempt to promote good gut health and add natural probiotics, curb cravings, etc, I am adding raw sauerkraut to the regime.  My amazing sister-in-law Adrienne has gone down a path to discover what works nutritionally for her and her family over the last decade.  She is so knowledgeable and brave and I owe so much of my willingness to try something hard to her!!!!

 

So today I started a new adventure! In an attempt to document and share the experience with  Adrienne and anyone who is interested, Here are the pictures.

 It began last night with a pitcher of water sitting out to let the chlorine evaporate.  I guess it all started way before then, but I'll spare ALL the details.  Caldwell's Fermentation starter, Pickle-Pro fermenting jar lid, and organic cabbage.

 When I peeled back the first few leaves, I was still finding this.  Ugh.  I did get to a mold free layer, but all that pretty green was gone.  Hmmm, I'm guessing some of the nutrition in that green-ness gone with it???

 Food Processor:) made the chopping and grating Super fast!

 The super star, Real Salt from where? Yep, Utah  It's real it's natural and is very beneficial for your health unlike all the processed stuff I've consumed plenty of all my life:)

 Organic Dill.  I think maybe too much.  Good thing I like Dill.

 Pounding the cabbage with some salt water brine and the dissolved starter.

 Thank You Canning Funnel.

 Pressing it down in the jar.  I forget why.  Other than to make sure it is all covered in the brine and compacted in there with no air? I did make sure it went only to the shoulder of the jar as I've read and been told to do.  Did you know your Ball jars had a shoulder?

 My plan was to weight it down with discarded leaves of cabbage.  Well, as the picture above shows, it took some creativity to make a weight of un-moldy leaves.  As our family is obsessed with the Hobbit right now, I couldn't help but think the final packet looked like the leaves wrapped around Frodo's food.  Didn't take a picture until it was in the jar.

The final resting place, Our laundry room counter.  I knew I'd use that for more than a catch-all one day!  I am hoping to post pictures in 10 days to a successful result!  Wish me luck!