Judys Pickled Squash Recipes

ZUCCHINI DILL PICKLES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, toss zucchini with 2 tablespoons salt; let stand 20 minutes. Cover with ice and water, weighting down with a plate, if necessary, to keep zucchini fully submerged. Let stand 1 hour. Drain in a colander; rinse to remove excess salt. Pack zucchini and dill into a 4-cup-capacity or two 2-cup-capacity jars.
• In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar; 2/3 cup water; mustard, cumin, and celery seeds; garlic; jalapeño; sugar; and 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Carefully pour into jar with zucchini and dill. Top with more vinegar, if necessary. (Liquid should fully submerge zucchini mixture and reach about 1/2 inch from top.) Let cool completely, then cover and refrigerate until ready to use, up to 1 month or try canning with our helpful instructions.

PICKLED SQUASH

Steps:

• In a large non-aluminum pot, combine the squash, bell pepper, and onions. Cover with salt, and let stand for 2 hours to release the liquids. Stir occasionally.
• Just before the 2 hours are up, combine the sugar, vinegar, mustard seed, turmeric and celery seed in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Drain the salty liquid from the vegetables. Pour the spice brine over the vegetables, and let stand for 2 more hours.
• Bring to a boil once again, and simmer for about 5 minutes. Ladle into 1 pint sterile jars, filling with the liquid to within 1/4 inch of the top. Wipe rims with a clean towel, and run a thin spatula around the inside of the jar to remove air bubbles. Seal with lids and rings. Process for 10 minutes in a simmering water bath to seal completely.

JUDY'S PICKLED SQUASH

Steps:

• Place the squash, onion, and bell peppers in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let drain, covered, for about 1 hour at room temperature. Do not rinse.
• If preserving the pickles, sterilize four 1-pint heat-tempered canning jars (see Know-how, page 291).
• Tightly pack the squash, onion, and peppers, alternating layers of vegetables, in the hot jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace to ensure a proper seal.
• Combine the sugar, vinegar, mustard seeds, and celery seeds in a large pot over high heat and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves, for about 1 minute. Pour the hot liquid over the vegetables, maintaining the 1/2-inch headspace.
• For refrigerator pickles, seal the jars tightly and refrigerate for 2 weeks to allow the flavors to develop before serving. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve, or for up to 1 month.
• For preserved pickles, process in a hot water bath for about 15 minutes to vacuum-seal (see Know-how, page 291). Let cool to room temperature, check the seal, and store in a cool, dark place until ready to serve, or for up to 6 months. Refrigerate after opening.