Bread and Butter Pickles: A Sweet and Tangy Delight, Preserved for All Seasons
Bread and butter pickles, with their sweet and tangy flavor, are a classic American treat. These pickles are perfect for adding a burst of flavor to sandwiches, burgers, or even just as a snack. And the best part? They're incredibly easy to make at home and can be canned to enjoy all year round.
Why Make Your Own Bread and Butter Pickles?
- Control the Ingredients: You choose the sweetness, tanginess, and spices to create your perfect pickle.
- Fresh and Delicious: Homemade pickles are bursting with flavor and freshness, unlike store-bought varieties.
- Cost Effective: You can save money by making your own pickles, especially if you grow your own cucumbers.
- A Fun and Rewarding Project: Canning is a rewarding hobby that allows you to enjoy the fruits (or in this case, vegetables!) of your labor.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- Cucumbers: Choose firm, young cucumbers, ideally Kirby or Persian cucumbers, for the best texture and flavor.
- Vinegar: White vinegar is most commonly used for bread and butter pickles.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar provides the sweetness and balances the tanginess of the vinegar.
- Salt: Salt is essential for firming the pickles and enhancing their flavor.
- Spices: Common spices include mustard seed, celery seed, turmeric, and dill seed.
Canning Basics:
Before you start canning, ensure you have the right equipment:
- Canning Jars: Use clean, sterilized jars with lids and bands.
- Canning Pot: A large stockpot for boiling the jars and creating a water bath for processing.
- Jar Lifter: For safely handling hot jars.
- Funnel: To prevent spills when filling jars.
- Lid Magnet: To easily pick up lids from boiling water.
- Rubber Gloves: For protection while handling hot jars and ingredients.
Bread and Butter Pickle Recipes:
Here are two classic bread and butter pickle recipes:
1. Classic Bread and Butter Pickles:
Yields: About 7 pints Prep Time: 30 minutes Canning Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs. Kirby or Persian cucumbers, washed and trimmed
- 4 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard seed
- 2 tablespoons celery seed
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
Instructions:
- Prepare the cucumbers: Slice cucumbers thinly into rounds.
- Prepare the brine: Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric in a large pot. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
- Pack the jars: Fill sterilized jars with cucumber slices, leaving 1/2 inch headspace at the top.
- Pour the brine: Carefully pour hot brine over the cucumbers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles with a clean spoon.
- Wipe the rims: Wipe jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to remove any brine residue.
- Process the jars: Place jars in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes, ensuring jars are fully submerged.
- Remove and cool: Remove jars from the bath and let them cool completely.
- Check seals: Check that lids have sealed properly.
2. Spiced Bread and Butter Pickles:
Yields: About 7 pints Prep Time: 30 minutes Canning Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs. Kirby or Persian cucumbers, washed and trimmed
- 4 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard seed
- 2 tablespoons celery seed
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon dill seed
Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-3 from the classic bread and butter pickle recipe.
- Add the remaining spices: Add black peppercorns and dill seed to the brine.
- Follow steps 4-8 from the classic bread and butter pickle recipe.
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh, high-quality cucumbers: This is crucial for optimal flavor and texture.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweet pickles, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Use a food mill: To remove any lingering spice seeds from the brine for a smoother pickle.
- Store properly: Once cooled and sealed, store pickles in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Enjoy the Sweet and Tangy Flavor:
Now you can enjoy the sweet and tangy goodness of homemade bread and butter pickles year-round. This simple recipe is a wonderful way to preserve the flavors of summer and share your culinary creations with loved ones.
