Cinnamon pickles, a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of warm spice, are a classic recipe that’s perfect for sharing during potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a special treat for weeknight snacking. This recipe, which yields 12 pints, combines the crisp freshness of cucumbers with the comforting aroma of cinnamon sticks, resulting in a treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its kid-friendly appeal and simple preparation, it’s an ideal way to introduce little ones to the joys of homemade pickles.
To embark on your culinary journey of creating these delectable cinnamon pickles, gather your ingredients: 2 cucumbers, 8 1/2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of pickling lime, 1 teaspoon of alum, 2 cups of vinegar, 2 cups of water (additional), 1 1/2 cups of sugar, cinnamon sticks, and 8-10 red hot candies for a touch of festive color. With these pantry staples in hand, you’re ready to dive into the enchanting world of pickling.
Begin by preparing the cucumbers: peel them, remove the ends, core them, and then cut them into rings or sticks, depending on your preference. These steps ensure that your cucumbers are primed for pickling, ready to absorb all the delightful flavors that await them.
Next, combine 8 1/2 cups of water with the pickling lime, creating a solution in which to soak your prepared cucumbers. Let them bathe in this lime-water concoction for a full 24 hours, allowing the lime to work its magic and impart a crisp texture to the cucumbers.
After their lime-water soak, it’s time to give your cucumbers a thorough rinse. Wash them three times in cold water, ensuring that any residual lime is washed away, leaving behind only the essence of fresh cucumber.
Now, cover your cucumbers with cold water and let them sit for an additional 3 hours, allowing them to hydrate and plump up before they’re transformed into pickles.
While your cucumbers rest, prepare the syrup that will infuse them with flavor. In a large pot, combine alum, vinegar, 2 cups of water, food coloring (if desired, for a festive touch), sugar, cinnamon sticks, and red hot candies. This aromatic mixture will serve as the base for your cinnamon pickles, imbuing them with sweetness, spice, and everything nice.
Once your syrup is ready, add the drained cucumbers to the pot and simmer them, covered, for 2 hours. This gentle cooking process allows the cucumbers to soak up the flavors of the syrup, transforming them into tender, flavorful pickles.
After simmering, allow your pickles to stand overnight, giving them time to fully absorb the flavors of the syrup and reach peak deliciousness.
The next day, it’s time to elevate your pickles to perfection. Drain off the syrup from the pot, then reheat it and pour it over the pickles daily for the next 3 days. This step ensures that your pickles are thoroughly infused with the sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors of the syrup, resulting in a truly irresistible treat.
Once your pickles have reached their peak flavor, it’s time to pack them into hot jars and seal them, preserving their deliciousness for future enjoyment. Whether you’re serving them alongside a sandwich for lunch, as a wholesome snack for the kids, or as a delightful addition to your holiday table, these cinnamon pickles are sure to delight all who taste them.
With a 5-star rating from 6 glowing reviews, these cinnamon pickles are a tried-and-true favorite that’s sure to become a beloved tradition in your household. With just a little bit of time and effort, you can create a culinary masterpiece that’s as delicious as it is heartwarming. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to embark on a flavor-filled adventure with these delightful cinnamon pickles from lovewithrecipes.com!
