Bread and Butter Pickles: A Sweet and Tangy Delight
Bread and butter pickles are a classic American treat, known for their sweet and tangy flavor. They are perfect for sandwiches, burgers, and charcuterie boards.
What are bread and butter pickles?
Bread and butter pickles are a type of dill pickle that is made with a sweet and tangy brine. They are typically made with small cucumbers, and they have a soft, crunchy texture.
Why are they called bread and butter pickles?
The name "bread and butter" comes from the fact that they are often served with bread and butter. They are also known for their sweet and tangy flavor, which some people find reminiscent of bread and butter.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds small cucumbers (about 1 inch in diameter)
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Preparing the Cucumbers:
- Wash and trim: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and trim off the ends.
- Slice or leave whole: You can either slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or leave them whole. If leaving whole, you can use a fork to poke holes in them to help the brine penetrate.
- Pack the jars: Pack the sliced or whole cucumbers into sterilized pint jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top.
Making the Brine:
- Combine ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the vinegars, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, black peppercorns, turmeric, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring to a boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the brine has thickened slightly.
Canning the Pickles:
- Pour the brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumbers in the jars, leaving 1 inch of headspace.
- Remove air bubbles: Use a non-metallic spoon or chopstick to remove any air bubbles from the jars.
- Wipe rims: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure a clean seal.
- Seal the jars: Place the lids on the jars and tighten the rings until they are fingertip tight.
- Process in a water bath: Place the jars in a large pot filled with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove and cool: Carefully remove the jars from the water bath and place them on a clean kitchen towel. Allow the jars to cool completely.
Tips:
- Use small cucumbers: Small cucumbers are best for bread and butter pickles, as they have a tender texture and a mild flavor.
- Sterilize the jars: It is important to sterilize the jars and lids before canning to prevent spoilage. You can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
- Use fresh ingredients: Using fresh ingredients will ensure the best flavor for your pickles.
- Store in a cool, dark place: Once the pickles have cooled, store them in a cool, dark place. They should last for several months.
Enjoy your homemade bread and butter pickles!
