As the Cucumbers start growing in abundance, its time to be pickling those baby's! Pickling is an excellant way to preserve excess cukes! Ive been harvesting my cukes when they are 3-4 inches long. If you continue to pick them at this size, your plants will keep producing all summer long. Harvest your cukes in the early morning if possible, they will be crisper then. The heat has not had a chance to wilt them. Chill them quickly on ice or in the fridge. 1 pound fresh cukes equals about 4cups sliced or cubed.
I did use a packaged mix! I found them on clearance for 75cents! Was a deal I couldnt pass up!
Heres how the recipe goes on the packaging!
Featuring Ball® Simple Creations® Bread & Butter Pickle Mix
Makes 4 (32 oz) quarts or 8 (16 oz) pints
You will need:
7 lb pickling cucumbers (about 28 small to medium)
5 cups vinegar
5 cups sugar
1 3.5-oz pkg Ball® Simple Creations® Bread & Butter Pickle Mix
4 (32 oz) quart or 8 (16 oz) pint glass preserving jars with lids and bands
Directions:
1.) PREPARE boiling water canner. Heat jars and lids in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Set bands aside.
2.) CUT cucumbers into 1/2-inch thick slices, discarding ends. Combine vinegar, sugar and contents of package in a medium saucepan. Heat to a boil.
3.) PACK cucumber slices into hot jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Ladle hot pickling liquid over cucumbers leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe rim. Center hot lid on jar. Apply band and adjust until fit is fingertip tight.
4.) PROCESS filled jars in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed.
Note: For added crispness, soak cut cucumbers in ice water for 4 hours before preparing recipe. For added flavor, allow pickles to stand for 4 to 6 weeks.
Next batch I will be making from a recipe by my Grama! She was the best Gardener and Southern Cook! She canned everything! She taught me alot, I miss you Grama!
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