Back in time: October 22nd, 2012 the NYTimes published an article detailing the merits of a peanut butter and pickle sandwich. On the same day, 3000 miles West of Midtown, I tasted the first talisman of a brine-in-progress.

Please understand, my people put up pickles. My Pop laid a heavy ceramic plate over his endless crock of bread & butters all the years I was blessed with his presence. Every year I grew stronger, the lid was easier to raise.  His old vessel is now an heirloom.

I have  tested many iterations of the October 22nd NYTimes sandwich including Hemingway’s preferred combo of peanut butter, mayonnaise, olives, and raw onions (one of the many reasons he is My Man, I never smell his breath.)

I originally intended to write this post as part of my ‘take a deep breath and make a  _________  sandwich’ series but life moves quickly and now I am more preoccupied with the concept of Taking Care. Put care into people, put care into food. The young pickle you taste-test in October will live to win an award next February. Your friends are your ancestors, your creator.

Wise Woman Wins Perfect Pickle 2013.