Bread and Butter Pickles: A Sweet and Tangy Delight
Bread and butter pickles are a classic American condiment, known for their sweet and tangy flavor. These pickles are perfect for enjoying with sandwiches, burgers, or even just a simple snack. While they are available in grocery stores, making them at home is surprisingly easy and allows you to customize the recipe to your liking.
This recipe yields about 4 pints of delicious bread and butter pickles.
Ingredients:
- Pickles:
- 4 pounds pickling cucumbers (about 12 medium)
- 2 cups white vinegar (5%)
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
- 2 teaspoons mustard seeds
- 2 teaspoons celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon dill seeds
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and trim off the ends.
- If desired, use a small knife to trim away any rough spots or blemishes.
- You can use whole cucumbers or slice them into spears, depending on your preference.
2. Make the Brine:
- In a large saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Add the turmeric, mustard seeds, celery seeds, black peppercorns, and dill seeds. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Pack the Jars:
- While the brine is simmering, sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
- Pack the cucumbers into the jars, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top.
4. Fill with Brine:
- Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, making sure to fill each jar to within 1/2 inch of the top. Use a spoon to remove any air bubbles.
5. Seal the Jars:
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure a clean seal.
- Securely screw on the lids.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing. This is essential for safety and preventing spoilage.
6. Cool and Store:
- Carefully remove the jars from the boiling water bath and place them on a clean towel to cool completely.
- You should hear a popping sound as the jars seal, indicating a successful process.
- Once cooled, check for a good seal by pressing on the lid. If it doesn't flex, the jar is properly sealed.
- Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks before enjoying.
Tips:
- Use good quality pickling cucumbers for the best results.
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sugar.
- Add a few cloves of garlic for a more complex flavor.
- Experiment with different spices, such as ginger, allspice, or cinnamon, for a unique twist.
- Enjoy the bread and butter pickles with your favorite sandwiches, burgers, or as a side dish.
Enjoy your homemade bread and butter pickles!
