Refrigerator Pickles

I have been experimenting with refrigerator pickles lately and was amazed at how easily and cheaply and deliciously you can make them. With the cucumbers, you can cut them in slices or you can cut them in spears, whatever you prefer. The recipe will make about enough pickling brine for one large bottle of pickles (about the size of a spaghetti sauce jar). And from my survey of pickle recipes, it seems as though you can get creative - the success of the recipe isn't based on exactness. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck!

EASY REFRIGERATOR PICKLES

Ingredients:
Cucumbers (washed and sliced or speared)
Onion (thinly sliced) - use as much or as little as you want
Garlic (thinly sliced) - use as much or as little as you want
** Prepare these ingredients and put them in the jar, layering the garlic and onions with the cucumbers throughout.

Liquid Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups white vinegar
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 t. salt
1/2 t. mustard seeds
1/2 t. celery seeds
1/2 t. ground turmeric
1/2 t. crushed red pepper
1/4 t. freshly ground black pepper
**Combine vinegar and spices in a saucepan. Stir well. Bring mixture to a boil and cook 1 minute. Pour the hot mixture over the pickles, onions and garlic until they are covered. Let cool. Cover and chill in the refrigerator. It will take 2-4 days for the pickles to be ready. They should last in the refrigerator for several months.


Note: for different kinds of pickles, you can use the same basic amounts of vinegar, sugar and salt and then mix it up with the spices. You can also use apple cider vinegar for a sweeter pickle.