Oh man, I feel that pain. @jennifer69 is totally right about the grater, that's a lifesaver. I've also just stuck the whole mixing bowl in the fridge for a few minutes while I get the pans ready, seems to help a bit.

Try the built-in head cleaning utility first.

How did you even get them to try the first chapter? (I'm impressed). I used to think it was just a sad book too, but talking about it with a group totally flipped that for me. It became less about the gloom and more about the tiny bits of hope they keep going for. That discussion made the whole thing feel way more meaningful, you know?

My buddy's food truck had the same thing happen last winter.

My aunt's kraut got recalled for botulism last year from guessing on salt. Pat639 might get lucky but food safety isn't about gut feelings. You need that 2% brine by weight to kill bad bacteria. Grandma's method is a gamble with your health.