Let's talk about Salsa, Kombucha and Sourdough. Pickle Fermenting too.

Fermenting your own pickles at home is a fun and easy way to preserve cucumbers and add a probiotic boost to your diet. To make pickles, you'll need cucumbers, water, vinegar, salt, and spices. Simply mix the water, vinegar, salt, and spices in a jar, add the cucumbers, and let them sit at room temperature for a few days. The fermentation process will give the pickles a tangy, sour flavor and add beneficial bacteria to your gut.

While you're experimenting with fermentation, you might also want to try making your own kombucha. Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that is rich in probiotics and has a tangy, effervescent flavor. The key ingredient in kombucha is a SCOBY, or symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. To make kombucha, you'll need a SCOBY, sweetened tea, and a jar or container to ferment the mixture in. Simply combine the tea and SCOBY in a jar, cover with a cloth or coffee filter, and let it sit at room temperature for a week or two. The longer you let it ferment, the more sour it will become.

Speaking of sour flavors, have you ever made your own sourdough bread? Sourdough bread is made with a fermented mixture of flour and water called a sourdough starter. To make a sourdough starter, you'll need flour, water, and a jar or container. Simply mix equal parts flour and water in a jar, cover with a cloth or coffee filter, and let it sit at room temperature for a few days. As the mixture ferments, it will become bubbly and sour-smelling. You can then use a small amount of the starter to leaven your bread dough, or you can continue to feed it with more flour and water to keep it going.

While you're in the kitchen, you might also want to try making your own homemade salsa. Homemade salsa is a great way to use up fresh produce and add a flavorful kick to your meals. To make salsa, you'll need tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Simply dice the tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and garlic and mix them together in a bowl. Add a handful of chopped cilantro, a splash of lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together and serve, or refrigerate for later use.

If you have a large family, you know how challenging it can be to prepare meals that everyone will enjoy. One option for simplifying the process is to make large batches of meals that can be frozen and reheated later, such as soups, stews, and casseroles. Another option is to use a slow cooker or pressure cooker to prepare meals quickly and easily. Finally, don't be afraid to delegate tasks to other family members or enlist the help of friends and neighbors.

In addition to making your own food, you can also save money and reduce waste by buying in bulk and storing your food in reusable containers. Mason jars are a great option for storing a variety of items in the kitchen. They are durable, easy to clean, and come in a range of sizes to suit your needs. You can also use mason jars to create a fun and educational project for kids: a terrarium. To make a terrarium, you'll need a mason jar, soil, plants, and small decorative items such as rocks or miniature figurines. Simply layer the soil and plants in the jar, add the decorative items, and let your kids arrange everything to their liking.

Finally, don't forget to involve your kids in the cooking process. Kids love to help out in the kitchen, and it's a great way for them to learn about healthy eating and develop their skills and confidence. Plus, cooking with kids can be a fun and bonding experience for the whole family. So next time you're in the kitchen, don't be afraid to hand over the chopping knife or invite your kids to stir the pot. Who knows, you might even end up with a new family favorite recipe! Just be sure to supervise young children closely and follow basic safety guidelines to prevent accidents.

Now... Lets have it all together for dinner. 

Starter:

• Pickle platter: Assorted homemade pickles, such as dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, and spicy pickles
• Kombucha cocktails: Kombucha mixed with your choice of fruit juice or spirits

Main course:

• Sourdough tacos: Shredded chicken or beef, avocado, salsa, and shredded cheese served on toasted slices of sourdough bread
• Pickled vegetable salad: A mix of pickled vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and peppers, served over a bed of greens with a citrus vinaigrette

Dessert:

• Salsa fruit salad: A mix of diced fruit (such as watermelon, mango, and pineapple) tossed with a spoonful of homemade salsa and a sprinkle of lime juice
• Sourdough bread pudding: Cubed sourdough bread baked with eggs, milk, sugar, and spices and topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce

For the tablescape, you could create a colorful and festive theme using Mexican-inspired decor. Set the table with bright tablecloths, colorful napkins, and a mix of mismatched plates and glasses. Add some candles, flowers, and fun accents like pinatas or paper lanterns to create a lively atmosphere.

As for the food, you can get creative with your presentation by using fun serving dishes, such as mini cast iron skillets for the tacos, or colorful mason jars for the pickled vegetables. Don't forget to include some small bowls of toppings, such as diced onions, chopped cilantro, and shredded cheese, so that your guests can customize their meals to their liking. Overall, this dinner menu combines the fun and flavor of fermentation with the freshness and flair of Mexican cuisine, making it a perfect choice for a festive and delicious meal.

Here are a few alcoholic cocktail ideas that would pair well with the dinner menu:

1. Pickleback: This simple cocktail consists of a shot of whiskey followed by a shot of pickle brine. It's a bold and spicy way to kick off the meal.

2. Kombucha Margarita: Mix equal parts kombucha and tequila with a splash of lime juice and a sprinkle of salt. Serve over ice and garnish with a slice of lime.

3. Sourdough Moscow Mule: Mix vodka, ginger beer, and a splash of lime juice in a copper mug. Garnish with a slice of sourdough bread.

4. Salsa Paloma: Combine tequila, grapefruit juice, and a spoonful of homemade salsa in a shaker with ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with a slice of grapefruit.

5. Pickled Bloody Mary: Mix vodka, pickle juice, tomato juice, and your choice of spices and garnishes (such as horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and a pickle spear). Serve over ice and enjoy!

These cocktails are just a few ideas, and you can feel free to get creative and mix and match flavors to find your perfect combination. Just be sure to drink responsibly and have a designated driver if necessary. Cheers!