This Time Of Year

Geez, could it get any hotter? If you are like this reporter and have gardens, yard work and flowers to tend, I don’t need to tell you to get up and go outside early!  It was 62 degrees this morning and so nice outside, BUT not for long.  Go walking early, garden early and run errands early.  After noon time, the temperature and humidity soar.

Our family used to grow huge gardens, but since our children are grown and gone, with families of their own, we just plant a few tomatoes, my favorite!  Our generous neighbors supply us with squash, zucchini, cucumbers and tomatoes, also.

Now, I will fill you in on my project now – making pickles!  Everyone I know doesn’t want the time-consuming job of making 14-day pickle and compromise with recipes for quick lime pickle, three-day pickle, etc., BUT not me!

I ALWAYS make 14-day pickle using the recipe from my mother, mother-in-law, and my husband’s aunt.  It is absolutely the best and gone are the days of lifting heavy crocks and covering the brine with grape leaves. This pickle maker uses the big enamel pots; no other type will do.

I want to share this pickle recipe with my readers hoping some will try it.  I never want folks to quit making pickle this way.  IT’S THE BEST!

14-DAY CUCUMBER PICKLE

To each gallon of sliced cucumbers, add 1 cup of pickling salt dissolved in 1 gallon of boiling water. Let soak for 1 week with water up over the cucumbers.

Then on the 8^th day – Drain water off and pour 1 gallon of clean boiling water over the cucumbers.  Let stand overnight.

9^th day – Drain water off.  Pour 1-gallon boiling water with 1 Tablespoon powdered Alum over cucumbers and let stand until next day.

10^th day – Drain water off and rinse cucumbers in clear water in sink.  Mix 3 pints apple cider vinegar, 5 cups sugar, & 3 Tablespoons of pickling spices (tied in cheesecloth); let come to a boil and pour over cucumbers.

11^th thru 14^th days – Drain off syrup into a pot, add one more cup of sugar each day.  Bring to a boil and pour over pickle.  On the 14th day (last day), add 1 cup sugar and bring to a boil.  Pack pickle slices into hot jars, pour syrup over pickle in jars and seal.