Kelly, I just left a long winded comment on your blog. How creepy is that about black pepper? I have been buying stuff at PCC and I’m pretty sure I have some things from that same spice company. I used to order all my spices from Penzeys but I’ve been trying to use up what I have in the cupboard before placing another large order. I think I’ll just bite the bullet because I feel much better about buying spices from Penzey’s than some company I know nothing about, even if what they are selling is organic. I’ve really been wanting to make my own salami but I’m a little leary of the curing salt which my dh is insisting we use if we do it ourselves. My other option is to hot smoke it but then it won’t have that lovely fermented flavor. I’m sure the kids will still love it. Need to put hog casings on the “find” list!

Thanks again for your great blog!

KFG – that would be a great one too!

Melissa, if you start at the farmer’s market and ask someone who grows dried beans if they know of farmer’s you may find one that also sells to individuals. You can also contact your ag school and ask, they typically know who is trialing and growing things. This is how I found farmers here in Washington state where much of the state’s climate is not at all condusive to growing grain.