Pickle-Maker

Eating pickles always conjures childhood memories of big family dinners…lots of people, lots of laughing, lots of fun.  It seems that for me, pickles are not only a way to preserve a little summer goodness for cold, dark days, but also a way to preserve a little joy, a way to bring forth the bliss and ease of childhood.

Thanks Mom for always making pickles…and for teaching me how to be such a good pickle-maker! xo

If you have a good beet harvest (or know someone who does), this is a great way to save some summer freshness…It is also one of my favourite pickles.

Pickled Beets (from Mennonite Relief Sale Cookbook 1973)

Boil until tender, then peel 6 qt basket of beets.  If beets are large, cut into pieces, and fill sterile pint or quart jars.

Syrup:
4 cups vinegar
1 cup water
3 cups white sugar
1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cloves (or pickling spice)

Bring syrup ingredients to boil.  Fill jars and seal.