Bread And Butter Pickles Cukes Or Summer Squash Recipe

How to Make Bread And Butter Pickles Cukes Or Summer Squash

1. Wash cucumbers or squash thoroughly.
2. Trim 1/16 inch off the blossom end of each cucumber or squash and discard.
3. Slice cucumbers or squash into 3/16-inch thick slices.
4. Combine cucumber/squash slices and 1 large onion, thinly sliced, in a large bowl.
5. Add 1/4 cup kosher salt.
6. Cover the mixture with 2 inches of crushed ice.
7. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours, adding more ice as needed. This draws out excess moisture for crispier pickles.
8. In a large pot, combine: 2 cups white vinegar, 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, 1 tablespoon celery seed, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon mustard seed, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves.
9. Bring the pickling liquid to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
10. Drain the cucumbers/squash and onion mixture thoroughly. Add them to the boiling pickling liquid and gently heat to a simmer.
11. Carefully pack the cucumber/squash and onion slices into sterilized pint jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
12. Wipe jar rims clean, place lids and rings on jars. Process in a boiling water bath for the following times, depending on your elevation:
13. Under 1000 ft elevation: 10 minutes
14. 1000-6000 ft elevation: 15 minutes
15. Over 6000 ft elevation: 20 minutes
16. OR use the low-temperature pasteurization method detailed in the original recipe (link provided below).
17. Remove jars and let cool completely. You should hear a 'pop' sound as the jars seal.
18. **For Firmer Pickles (Optional):**
19. Wash cucumbers or squash thoroughly.
20. Trim 1/16 inch off the blossom end and discard.
21. Slice into 3/16-inch thick slices.
22. In a 2-3 gallon crock or enamelware container, mix 1 cup pickling lime with 1/2 cup kosher salt and 1 gallon of water. (Caution: Avoid inhaling lime dust.)
23. Soak the cucumber/squash slices in the lime water for 12-24 hours, stirring occasionally.
24. Remove from the lime solution, rinse thoroughly, and soak for 1 hour in fresh cold water.
25. Repeat the rinsing and soaking steps two more times.
26. (Caution: Slices will be brittle. Handle with care.)
27. Drain well before proceeding with step 2 (above).