Archive for June, 2009

Refrigerator Pickles

Friday, June 26th, 2009
  • 2 large cukes
  • 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1c water
  • 1c cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 c sugar (to taste)
  • salt (to taste, 1/2 t?)
  • 1t mustard seeds
  • 1t turmeric
  • 1/2 t celery seeds
  • 1/2 t pickling spice
  • 1/2 t red pepper flakes

Toast spices to help release flavors, combine with water, vinegar sugar and salt in small saucepan and bring to boil with smashed garlic.  Simmer for a few minutes to help release oils from spices.  Slice cukes into 1/4″ thick rounds, toss with sliced onions and pack tightly into quart mason jars.  Poor brine over pickles, let cool to room temperature and refrigerate.  Make a little extra brine with 1 part water to 1 part vinegar if needed to completely cover pickles.  Ready in about 24-48 hours!

Apricot Preserves #1

Friday, June 26th, 2009
  • 5# Apricots
  • juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 3c sugar
  • 1c, scant, water
  • kernels from 1/2 of the apricots

Combine all ingredients, cook, process!

Apricot Lavender Jam #1

Friday, June 26th, 2009
  • 4# Apricots (Blenheim)
  • Juice and zest from 1 lemon
  • 3c sugar
  • 1 scant cup water
  • 1/4 cup fresh lavender flowers
  • kernels from about 1/2 of apricots

Combine all incredients, except for lavender flowers in a heavy pot and cook until nearly done.  Add lavender flowers to taste and cook another 5 to 10 minutes.  Add to jars, process and enjoy!