Crispy Sweet-Tangy Bread-And-Butter Pickles Recipe

Bread-And-Butter Pickles My Way: A Homemade Delight

Bread-and-butter pickles are a classic condiment, balancing a delicate sweet-tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with burgers, sandwiches, and more. This homemade version is a culmination of years of tweaking and fine-tuning, offering a recipe that emphasizes simplicity and flavor. The use of a Cuisinart for slicing ensures uniformity and efficiency, while the traditional soaking and pickling method preserves the crisp texture of the cucumbers without the need for extensive processing.

Recipe Overview

Name: Bread-And-Butter Pickles My Way
Prep Time: 5 hours
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
Description: These homemade pickles have been perfected over decades. They are not processed in the traditional sense but can be if desired. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for those who have safety concerns about not processing them.

Ingredients

1. Pickling Cucumbers: 28 (Approximately 5-6 pounds, or 2.3-2.7 kg)
2. Onions: 8 medium-sized
3. Pickling Salt: ½ cup
4. White Sugar: 7 ½ cups
5. White Vinegar: 7 ½ cups
6. Mustard Seeds: 3 tablespoons
7. Celery Seeds: 1 ½ tablespoons
8. Turmeric: 1 tablespoon

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 347.1
• Fat: 0.7 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 2705.8 mg
• Carbohydrates: 83.6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugars: 76.6 g
• Protein: 1.9 g

Equipment Needed

• Cuisinart with a slicing blade or a sharp knife for slicing cucumbers and onions
• Large container for soaking
• Large preserving kettle or pot for boiling
• Ice cubes for soaking cucumbers and onions
• Sterilized canning jars and lids
• Large colander for draining

Instructions

1. Preparation of Vegetables:

   • Use a Cuisinart fitted with a slicing blade to slice the cucumbers and onions. This ensures even, thin slices that will pickle uniformly.
   • In a very large container, combine the sliced cucumbers and onions. Sprinkle the pickling salt evenly over the vegetables.

2. Soaking Process:

   • Cover the cucumber and onion mixture with a generous amount of ice cubes. This helps to crisp the vegetables and draws out excess moisture.
   • Cover the container and let it sit for approximately four hours. This resting period allows the salt to penetrate the vegetables, enhancing their flavor and texture.

3. Draining the Vegetables:

   • After four hours, drain the cucumber and onion mixture well in a large colander. Remove any remaining ice and lightly rinse the vegetables with cold water to remove excess salt.
   • Drain well again to ensure that the vegetables are not too watery when added to the pickling solution.

4. Preparing the Pickling Solution:

   • In a large preserving kettle, combine the white sugar, white vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric. Bring this mixture to a boil, ensuring that the sugar is fully dissolved and the spices are well distributed.

5. Pickling the Vegetables:

   • Add the drained cucumber and onion mixture to the boiling pickling solution. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly and bring the mixture back to a boil.

6. Canning the Pickles:

   • Fill hot, sterilized canning jars with the pickled cucumber and onion mixture. Leave a small headspace at the top of each jar.
   • Seal the jars with sterilized lids. At this stage, the recipe does not require processing, but if you prefer to process them for added safety, you can do so using a 10-minute boiling water bath.

Yield

This recipe yields approximately 21 cup jars of pickles. The exact yield may vary depending on the size of your cucumbers and the thickness of the slices.

Storage and Safety

• Refrigeration: These pickles can be stored in the refrigerator if you have safety concerns about not processing them. They are typically eaten quickly, so they won’t take up refrigerator space for long.
• Processing: If you prefer a longer shelf life or are concerned about food safety, you can process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Tips and Variations

1. Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Adding a few cloves of garlic or a pinch of chili flakes can provide a different flavor profile.
2. Vinegar Variations: Apple cider vinegar can be used in place of white vinegar for a more robust flavor.
3. Sugar Substitutes: For a lower sugar option, you can experiment with using less sugar or a sugar substitute, though this may affect the pickles’ preservation and flavor.
4. Additional Vegetables: You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots to the mix for added color and flavor.

Why No Processing?

The decision not to process these pickles in a boiling water bath is based on the author’s experience with maintaining the desired texture and flavor. Processing can sometimes result in a softer pickle, which might not be as appealing if you prefer a crisp bite. However, if you plan to store the pickles for an extended period or distribute them as gifts, processing is recommended to ensure safety and stability.

Flavor Profile

These bread-and-butter pickles are characterized by their sweet, tangy, and slightly spiced flavor. The combination of sugar and vinegar creates a balanced brine, while the mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric add a subtle warmth and complexity. The texture remains pleasantly crisp, making them an excellent complement to a wide range of dishes.

Pairing Suggestions

Bread-and-butter pickles are versatile and can be paired with:

• Burgers and Sandwiches: Add a slice of pickle to your favorite burger or sandwich for a refreshing crunch.
• Cheese Plates: Serve alongside a variety of cheeses and charcuterie for a tangy contrast.
• Salads: Chop and add to potato or pasta salads for an extra layer of flavor.
• Grilled Meats: Use as a condiment with grilled meats such as hot dogs, sausages, or pulled pork.

Nutritional Considerations

These pickles are relatively low in calories and fat, making them a guilt-free addition to your meals. However, they do contain a significant amount of sugar and sodium, which should be considered if you are monitoring your intake of these nutrients.

Historical Context

Bread-and-butter pickles have been a staple in North American kitchens for generations. Their name is believed to have originated during the Great Depression when cucumbers were plentiful and could be easily pickled. The pickles were often enjoyed with bread and butter, providing a simple yet satisfying meal. Over the years, they have evolved into a beloved condiment, known for their distinctive flavor and versatility.

Conclusion

Making bread-and-butter pickles at home allows you to enjoy this classic condiment with the assurance of knowing exactly what goes into them. This recipe, honed over decades, offers a straightforward approach that emphasizes flavor and texture. Whether you choose to process them or not, these pickles are sure to become a favorite in your household, adding a delightful crunch to your meals and snacks.

Enjoy the process of making these pickles, and savor the satisfaction of creating a homemade product that reflects both tradition and personal taste!