Capering Capers, Batman!

Comedy culinairy capers are very easy to make and you do not even have to have a Capparis spinosa aka a Caper bush growing in your garden. Just plain old Nasturtiums will do. You do grow them, don't you? Nasturtiums are dropdead gorgeous,

even more so when you add a beautiful Maine Coon kittycat like my Dolly Daisy into the mixture, and by doing so crank up the comedy capers content a notch or two.

 Nasturtiums can be very in your face colour-wise but subtle as well.

 Tasty they are too, both the leaf and the flower will spice up your salad, so not growing any Nasturtiums in your garden or on your balcony is definitely of the sense that is non.

In short: grow Nasturtiums! And make capers out of them, the seed pods that is coz it's soooo easy. Here's the recipe:

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Nasturtium Seeds (still firm and green)
• 1 Cup White Wine Vinegar
• 1 Teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
• 5-8 peppercorns (slightly crushed)

 

Preparation:

1. Rinse and drain the nasturtium seeds and blot them well on paper towels.
2. Pour the seeds into a 1 pint canning jar.
3. Bring the vinegar, salt and pepper to a boil and pour over the seeds.
4. Seal and refrigerate the jar and let them sit for about 3 months. Then enjoy!

The basic recipe is very simple. You can use them as is, on salads and in vegetable and fish dishes. Or you can create your own blend by adding a few additional spices.
To spice things up try adding: A clove of smashed garlic, a pinch of celery seed or pickling spice, a couple sprigs of thyme or a bay leaf.

copyright 2011 Y.E.W. Heuzen