Alton Brown’s Bread and Butter Pickles

🍞🥒 Alton Brown’s Bread and Butter Pickles 🍞🥒

What is it?
Bread and Butter pickles are a type of sweet and tangy pickle made from cucumbers, onions, and a special pickling brine. They are known for their crisp texture and sweet, slightly spicy flavor.

History:
The history of Bread and Butter pickles dates back to the Great Depression era in the United States. It is believed that the name “Bread and Butter” originated from the idea that these pickles were a cheap and filling food option during tough economic times. They were often served with slices of bread and butter, hence the name.

Components:

• Cucumbers: Typically, you’ll need about 6-8 cups of thinly sliced cucumbers.
• Onions: 2-3 medium-sized onions, thinly sliced.
• Pickling Brine: The brine consists of vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and sometimes red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Cucumbers and Onions: Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers and onions. You can use a mandoline slicer for even slices if you have one.

2. Brine Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of apple cider vinegar, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, 1 ½ tablespoons of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon of celery seeds, and ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric. If you like them spicier, add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

3. Combine and Rest: Add the sliced cucumbers and onions to the brine mixture. Toss them together to ensure they’re well coated. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld.

4. Sterilize Jars: While the cucumber mixture is resting, sterilize your canning jars and lids in boiling water.

5. Pack the Jars: Pack the cucumber and onion mixture into the sterilized jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top.

6. Process Jars: Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for about 10-15 minutes. This step helps preserve the pickles.

7. Cool and Store: After processing, remove the jars from the boiling water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, store them in a cool, dark place. They’ll need a few weeks for the flavors to fully develop.

Time Needed:

• Preparation: 20-30 minutes
• Resting Time: 1-2 hours
• Canning Process: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time (including resting and processing): Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

Bread and Butter pickles are a delightful addition to sandwiches, burgers, or as a tangy side dish. They’re not only delicious but also a great way to preserve the summer harvest of cucumbers to enjoy year-round! 🍞🥒😋

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Alton Brown’s Bread and Butter Pickles:

Nutrition Facts (per 1 pickle spear, approximately 35g):

• Calories: 15
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 100mg (4% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 3g (1% Daily Value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 0g

Health Information:

1. Low in Calories: Alton Brown’s Bread and Butter Pickles are relatively low in calories, making them a healthy addition to your diet, especially if consumed in moderation.

2. Low in Fat: These pickles are virtually fat-free, which is beneficial for those looking to reduce their fat intake.

3. Low in Protein: While pickles provide some nutrition, they are not a significant source of protein.

4. Moderate Sodium Content: These pickles contain sodium, with approximately 4% of the recommended daily value per serving. Individuals with hypertension or high blood pressure should consume them in moderation.

5. Low in Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate content in these pickles is relatively low, which can be suitable for those following low-carb diets.

6. Source of Fiber: Although these pickles don’t provide significant fiber, they can still contribute to your daily fiber intake.

7. Vinegar Benefits: The vinegar used in the pickling process may have some health benefits, such as aiding digestion and potentially helping control blood sugar levels.

8. Low in Calories: Alton Brown’s Bread and Butter Pickles are relatively low in calories, making them a healthy addition to your diet, especially if consumed in moderation.

It’s worth noting that pickles, in general, can be a good choice for a low-calorie, low-fat snack, but they are also relatively high in sodium due to the pickling process. If you have specific dietary restrictions or health concerns, it’s advisable to consume pickles in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist for personalized guidance.