I’m pretty lucky that my friends and colleagues in the test kitchen usually humor me, and I’m missing that right now as we approach our fifth week in quarantine.

Several weeks before our lives changed from normal to an episode directly from the science fiction horror series, Stranger Things, I insisted on filming the opening of an ever-so-slightly expired jar of Kimchi, one of my all-time favorite foods.

My little science experiment was ripening right before my eyes in my refrigerator. I waited until the moment when the lid began to bulge due to pressure building inside the jar from ongoing fermentation.

I had done this before and knew what to expect, but I needed accomplices to agree to open the jar while I filmed the action. It was spectacular! It was ALIVE!!!

As you’ll see, Joan, Noah, and Mary Jo had mixed reactions. But as far as I was concerned, it was a beautiful thing.

We love to experiment with food in the Test Kitchen. Always learning, always growing, always discussing, comparing, testing, and making things better. Although we all keep in touch by phone, I truly miss seeing everyone. I can’t wait to get back!

Stay safe, stay healthy, wash your hands a lot, hug your family, and eat Kimchi.

Since the Fine Cooking website was shut down, you can email me@chefdianaandrews.com for the recipe. Also, consider joining the Fine Cooking Community group on Facebook!

—Chef Diana