Dill Pickles

Dill Pickles
2 large cucumbers (or 4-6 pickling cucumbers), cut into spears or sliced


16 sprigs fresh dill, divided


4 garlic cloves, smashed, divided


4 tsp black peppercorns, divided


4 pinches red pepper flakes, divided

For the Brine:
4 cups water
8 tablespoons white vinegar
3 tablespoons kosher salt

Add 1 crushed garlic clove, 1 teaspoon of peppercorns, 1 pinch of red pepper flakes and 2 springs of dill to the bottom of four pint-size canning jars.

Add the cut cucumbers to the jars, packing them tightly and adding as many as you can without forcing them into the jars.

In a 4-cup measuring cup or small bowl, stir together the water, vinegar and salt until the salt has completely dissolved. Pour the brine mixture into each jar, completely covering the cucumbers. Add 2 additional sprigs of dill to each jar and affix the lids.

Refrigerate for at least 12 hours, but preferably up to 2 days before eating (this allows the flavors to fully absorb). If you remember, give the jars a gentle shake every now and then during this initial chilling time. The pickles will last up to 2 months in the refrigerator.

Bread and Butter Pickles

I decided that I wanted to show my girls how to make pickles - but I've never made them before. I did a little research and came up with these - and man o man are they delicious!!

Bread and Butter Pickles

5½ c (about 1½ pounds) thinly sliced pickling cucumbers


1½ T kosher salt


1 c thinly sliced sweet onion


1 c granulated sugar


1 c white vinegar


½ c apple cider vinegar


¼ c light brown sugar


2 tsp Ball mixed pickling spice

Combine cucumbers and salt in a large, shallow bowl; cover and chill 1½ hours. Move cucumbers into a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Drain well, and return cucumbers to bowl. Add onion to the bowl and toss with the cucumbers.

Combine the granulated sugar, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar and Ball mixed pickling spice in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over cucumber mixture; let stand at room temperature 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate 24 hours. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.