Q: Hi Dave,I wonder if you could tell me the ratio of alum used to make pickles crisper when pickled. The alum I have purchased has no instructions as to how much to use.Thank you, Mel A: Hello Mel:One source I found says, "use no more than 1/4 tsp alum per 1.2 litres (quart) of pickling solution."–Dave
1877 Bottle Found
Q: Dave,I found in my backyard a bottle with E R DURKEE & CO, NEW YORK SALAD DRESSING on the side. It has a patent issued date on the bottom of April 17, 1877. Where can I find info about this bottle?Thanks, Harry Atkins A: Hello Harry:In the book Ketchup, Pickles, Sauces: 19th Century Food in Glass, Betty Zumwalt suggests that …
Getting Started
Q: Dear Dave,I am looking to bottle and distribute my products. Could you help me with some info on how to manufacture the sauces I have made? Any help would be very much appreciated. Maybe next year I will be able to join the show in Albuquerque!Sincerely, Vinnie A: Hello Vinnie:First step: read all the basic information pertaining to manufacturing, distributing, …
Chili & BBQ Cookoffs
Q: Howdy Dave! I’ve been getting your online newsletter for some time, and I recently subscribed to the magazine. I see information for trade shows listed, but don’t see where the listings for chili and/or barbeque cookoffs are located. Am I not using a keen enough eye for the obvious or are they just not listed that far in advance? …
Mild Peppers For An Ohio Summer
Q: Hi Dave:Please recommend some mild peppers for northern Ohio’s short summer in a very changeable climate. I don’t want Scotch bells or any others that burn you when you cut them up.–Mary Keedy A: Hello Mary:I recommend poblanos, pasillas, and yellow wax hot. You can get the bedding plants from www.chileplants.com–Dave