Thursday, November 6, 2008

Bread & Butter Pickles

Today hubby and I went to the vegetable farm and picked up some goodies. One of those were 5 lbs. of cucumbers. Since they were priced well below the grocery store fees, I thought I'd make up a batch of Bread & Butter pickles.

Bread & Butter Pickles
5lbs. small cucumbers, thinly sliced
3 very large yellow onions (about 3 lbs. total), thinly sliced
1/2 c. canning salt**
ice cubes
4 c. sugar
5 c. cider vinegar
2 T. mustard seed
2 tsp. ground turmeric
2 tsp. celery seed
9 pint jars with bands & seals

Place sliced cucumbers & onions in the sink. Sprinkle with canning salt. Toss to coat.


Layer ice cubes over cucumber & onion mixture. Let stand for 2 hours. Do not skimp on this step as this helps ensure crisp pickles. Drain and rinse well.


Wash jars, seals & bands then sterilize in water bath canner by bringing water to a full rolling boil and allowing to boil for at least 15 minutes. I also like to boil my jar tongs, funnel & magnetic lid wand.


In a large pot combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, celery seed and turmeric.


B
ring mixture to a boil and let boil for 5 minutes.


Add cucumber & onions and bring to boil again.


Remove mixture from heat and ladle into hot jars. Leave 1/4" head space when filling. Wipe rims clean with a damp towel and place on lids & seals. Tighten until only finger tight. Do not over tighten.


Place jars back into water bath canner and fill with enough water to cover jars. Cover with lid and bring to a boil. Once water has come to a full rolling boil start timer for 10 minutes. Process for the full 10 minutes.


Remove from canner and allow to cool. As jars seal you will hear the lids make a "ping" sound. If jars do not seal, remove lid and seal and start with a new set. Begin processing procedure again. Let jars cool completely and store in pantry or any other cool dry place. Enjoy!


Click HERE for printable recipe

** What is the difference between canning salt & table salt? can I use them interchangeably? For the answer go here then scroll down to questions #12 & #13.

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