Uncle Dons Relish Recipes

UNCLE GREG'S MILLION DOLLAR RELISH

Steps:

• Grind and drain the vegetables. Put them in a large bowl.
• Add 1/2 cup of pickling salt to the 1/2 gallon of boiling water and pour the whole mixture over the vegetables. Let stand covered on the counter over night.
• Sterilize your bottles, lids and utensils.
• In a large pot mix the 4 cups of sugar, turmeric, mustard seed and celery seed with a whisk until well mixed, then add the 3 cups of cider vinegar. Add the drained vegetables and bring to a boil.
• In a separate bowl, sift the cornstarch and remaining 2 cups of sugar until well combined. Add the remaining 2 cups of cider vinegar. Whisk until the dry mix is dissolved.
• Gently add and stir the cornstarch mixture into the vegetable mixture and cook for 20 minutes to thicken.
• Ladle the hot relish into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace and seal. While my family has always said it's not necessary, I hot water bath them for 10 minutes as an added precaution.

UNCLE D'S SWEET PICCALILLI (GREEN TOMATO RELISH)

Steps:

• Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seed, and basil in a large pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Stir green tomatoes, red bell peppers, red onion, and Granny Smith apples into vinegar mixture; boil vigorously, stirring occasionally, until vegetables have softened and relish flavors have blended, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack relish into hot, sterilized jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for about 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

OLD-FASHIONED PICKLE RELISH (TRADITIONAL OR SPICY)

Steps:

• Combine the cukes, onions, and peppers in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and cover with cold water. Place a layer of ice cubes on top to cover surface of relish.
• Let stand 2 hours up to 12 hours.
• Drain thoroughly, pressing out excess liquid.
• Place drained veggies, sugar, vinegar and spices in a large stainless steel kettle. If making the spicy version, you will add your pepper flakes now also.
• Bring to a boil over high heat watching so as not to scorch. Simmer for 10 minutes.
• Pack hot into 1/2 pint jars.
• Process in a water-bath for 10 minutes.