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Cucumber Pickles. Kittie M. Smith. Recipe

Cucumber pickles have been a beloved condiment for centuries and are enjoyed by people all over the world. The process of pickling cucumbers not only enhances their flavor but also prolongs their shelf life, allowing you to enjoy them long after the cucumber season has ended. In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps of making delicious homemade cucumber pickles that are guaranteed to be crunchy, tangy, and full of flavor.

Before we dive into the recipe, let's explore some interesting facts about cucumber pickles. Did you know that pickling cucumbers is an ancient tradition that dates back thousands of years? It is believed that cucumbers were first pickled in the Tigris Valley of Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) around 2030 BC! Since then, the technique of pickling cucumbers has spread across different cultures and has become a staple in many cuisines.

Now, let's get started with our recipe for cucumber pickles, inspired by the recipe shared by Kittie M. Smith. Please note that this recipe requires some waiting time for the cucumbers to properly pickle, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Ingredients:
- Fresh cucumbers
- Boiling water
- Salt
- Horseradish (slips)
- Spices (e.g., dill, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, black peppercorns)
- Cold cider vinegar
- Grape leaves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Begin by washing your cucumbers thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel.

2. Place the washed cucumbers in a large bowl or container and pour boiling water over them. Allow the cucumbers to soak in the hot water for about eighteen hours. This process helps to soften the cucumbers and prepare them for pickling.

3. After the soaking time has elapsed, drain the cucumbers and discard the water.

4. Prepare a brine solution by combining one pint of salt with one gallon of water. Mix well until the salt is completely dissolved. You can adjust the quantity of brine according to the number of cucumbers you have.

5. Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, ensuring that they are fully submerged. It's important to use boiling hot brine to prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria.

6. Let the cucumbers sit in the brine for twenty-four hours. During this time, the cucumbers will absorb the flavors of the brine, resulting in deliciously tangy pickles.

7. After the brining period, carefully remove the cucumbers from the brine and gently pat them dry with a kitchen towel. It's important to remove excess moisture to ensure the pickles stay crisp.

8. Pack the cucumbers tightly into sterilized glass jars, leaving some headspace at the top.

9. Add slips of horseradish and any spices you prefer, such as dill, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, or black peppercorns. These spices will infuse the pickles with additional flavors.

10. Cover the cucumbers with cold cider vinegar, ensuring that they are completely submerged. The acidity of the vinegar helps to preserve the pickles and develop their characteristic tanginess.

11. Optionally, you can place grape leaves on top of the pickles before sealing the jars. Grape leaves contain tannins that help maintain the crispness of the pickles.

12. Seal the jars tightly and store them in a cool, dark place for at least twenty-four hours. During this resting period, the flavors will develop and the pickles will become fully infused with the vinegar and spices.

13. After twenty-four hours, your homemade cucumber pickles will be ready to enjoy! The longer you let them sit, the more intense the flavors will become. If you use pure cider vinegar and store them properly, your pickles should keep indefinitely.

Now that you have successfully made your very own cucumber pickles, get creative with how you use them! Cucumber pickles are a versatile condiment that can be enjoyed in various ways. They add a delightful crunch and tanginess to sandwiches, burgers, salads, and charcuterie boards. You can also serve them alongside your favorite grilled meats or chop them up to create a relish for hot dogs.

If you enjoyed making cucumber pickles, you might also be interested in exploring other pickling recipes. Pickled vegetables like carrots, radishes, and onions are equally delicious and can be made using a similar process. Experiment with different spices and flavors to create your signature pickling brine.

So go ahead and savor the delightful, tangy crunch of homemade cucumber pickles. The satisfaction of enjoying a condiment that you made from scratch is truly rewarding. Happy pickling!

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