Mustard Pickles Recipe ๐ฅ๐ด
Overview:
Mustard Pickles are a beloved Canadian delicacy, cherished for generations. This recipe, originating from the iconic Prince Edward Island Women’s Institute Cookbook from the 1970s, presents a delightful twist on the classic East Coast favorite. Bursting with flavors, these pickles are an ideal accompaniment to holiday dinners, hearty meat and potatoes, or even as a zesty relish on burgers. Made with fresh garden cucumbers and a medley of spices, this recipe promises to elevate any meal with its tangy and vibrant taste.
- Total Time: 1 hour 26 minutes
- Preparation Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 26 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 8 pints
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1 small cauliflower
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 1/2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 teaspoons celery seeds
- 2 tablespoons mustard powder
- 3 cups vinegar
- Pinch of alum
- Pickling spice (in a cheesecloth bag)
Instructions:
-
Prepare Vegetables:
- Peel and cut the onion into medium-sized pieces.
- Peel the cucumbers, remove seeds and centers, and cut them into desired sizes. If the cucumbers are green and not overly ripe, you may leave the skin on.
- Separate the cauliflower into small florets.
- Dice the red peppers.
-
Brine Preparation:
- Make a brine by combining 1/2 cup of coarse salt with 1 quart of water.
- Add a pinch of alum to the brine.
- Place the prepared vegetables in the brine and let them stand overnight (or up to 24 hours).
- Drain the vegetables thoroughly after soaking.
-
Prepare Pickling Spice Bag:
- Place the pickling spices in 3-4 layers of cheesecloth and tie tightly with string or a knot. Set aside for later use.
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Cooking the Sauce:
- In a large pot, boil 3 cups of vinegar with 3 cups of sugar and the pickling spice bag for 1 minute.
- Remove the pickling spice bag and discard it.
- In a separate bowl, combine the remaining sugar, remaining vinegar, flour, mustard powder, turmeric, and celery seeds to make the sauce.
- Add the sauce mixture to the hot vinegar-sugar mixture in the pot.
- Cook the sauce until it thickens, stirring continually with a whisk.
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Cooking the Pickles:
- Add the drained vegetables to the thickened sauce.
- Cook the mixture slowly for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
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Canning:
- While the mixture is still hot, carefully ladle the mustard pickles into hot, sterilized jars.
- Ensure the jars are tightly sealed.
-
Storage:
- Allow the pickles to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
- Properly sealed jars can be stored for several months.
Serving Suggestions:
These delectable Mustard Pickles are a versatile addition to any meal. Serve them alongside holiday feasts, pair them with your favorite meats and potatoes, or use them as a flavorful relish on burgers and sandwiches. Get creative and enjoy the tangy goodness of these Canadian classics! ๐ฝ๏ธ๐ฅ