Pickled Cucumbers From Scotts Nana Recipes

PICKLED CUCUMBERS (FROM SCOTT'S NANA)

Steps:

• PICKLES: To a clean jar add half of the garlic and dill. Follow with the sliced cucumbers, then the remaining garlic and dill.
• BRINE: Using a non-reactive pot, bring to brine ingredients to a boil. Carefully pour hot liquid into the jar to fill. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

SWEET PICKLES FROM RIPE CUCUMBERS

Steps:

• Cut cucumbers into large strips or pieces.
• Combine salt and 8 cups of water in a large stock pot. Stir until salt dissolves.
• Add the cucumbers. Let stand at least 12 hours.
• Drain and rinse cucumbers.
• In a large pot, combine sugar, vinegar, 1½ cups water, cinnamon and cloves. Bring to a boil.
• Add drained cucumbers.Gently boil until cucumbers begin to look transparent. You may have to do this in two separate batches if your pot is too small.
• Pack into clean pint jars.Cover with the vinegar syrup.
• Top with 2 piece canning covers. Process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes.
• Remove from canner and let sit on counter overnight.
• Pickles will improve with age, so let sit at least 3 weeks before serving.

PICKLED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• To make the cucumber variation: Wash and sterilize 3 quart-size jars. Toss cucumbers with 3 tablespoons salt, and place in a colander set over a bowl. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. Drain, rinse, and drain again. Divide cucumbers, garlic, and dill among jars. Divide pickling spices (recipe above) among jars. Bring pickling brine ingredients (recipe above) and 2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a medium saucepan, and pour over cucumbers. Let stand until cool. Cover, and refrigerate.
• To make the carrot variation: Wash and sterilize 2 quart-size jars. Bring pickling brine ingredients (recipe above) and 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add carrots, and return to a boil. Divide carrots with liquid evenly between jars. Cut about a 2-inch slit into side of each chile. Divide chiles, garlic, and pickling spices (recipe above) evenly between jars. Let stand until cool. Cover, and refrigerate.
• To make the beet variation: Wash and sterilize 2 quart-size jars and 1 half-quart-size jar. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Wrap beets in parchment-lined foil. Bake until tender, about 1 hour. Let cool slightly, then rub off skins; discard. Cut beets into 3/4-inch-thick wedges, and divide evenly among jars. Divide ginger slices, orange peels, chile slices, and pickling spices (recipe above) evenly between jars. Bring pickling brine ingredients (recipe above) and 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a medium saucepan, and pour over beets. Let stand until cool. Cover, and refrigerate.