How to Make Your Favorite Foods Last

Because some of my favorite foods are in season for such a limited time, I pickle them to enjoy throughout the year. You can use the simple technique below to preserve any produce you want to eat all year long -- asparagus, wild mushrooms, chilies...

...Even ramps. Ramps are a wild onion that has a strong taste similar to leek. I love them, and just a small amount can change the direction of a dish. I like to fold them into risotto or use them as the base of potato soup, and I think they work particularly well with seafood. You can find them in specialty markets and farmers' markets from March to June.

Marcus's Pickled Ramps

1/2 cup sugar
1 cup red wine vinegar
2 cups water
2 bay leaves
6 white peppercorns
1 red onion, quartered
1 garlic clove, cut in half
1 cup ramps, roughly chopped (use whatever it is you're pickling)

1. Combine the sugar, vinegar, water, bay leaves, peppercorns, onion, and garlic in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Add the ramps, and remove from heat. Let cool.  

2. Store in a tightly covered container for up to 2 months.