the easiest pickles

the cucumbers are starting to come in from the garden, and we are just so happy to see them!  i couldn't be more pleased with how they've done.  i've tried cucumbers before without success.  this time i decided to help them climb, and it's working!

my thought was pickles, when i planted these cucumbers.  jo is in love with pickles...so much so that i've helped julia make them as gifts for jo.  i don't really love pickles from the store, but i really do like fresh crunchy ones that haven't sat in their brine too long.

i've made pickles before where you heat water and dissolve the salt and sugar in it... but when i saw this recipe, i thought i'd give this method a try (with a little tweaking).  it just seemed so easy.  what resulted were some of the simplest and tastiest pickles yet.  here is my take:

the easiest (and tastiest) pickles

cucumbers, sliced short or long ways (always taste the peel to make sure it is tasty- some are bitter)
1/2 c. white vinegar or cider vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. dill 
2 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. red pepper flakes

i used a large mason jar and put as many cucumber slices as i could fit into the jar.  add the rest of the ingredients and shake.  refrigerate and shake when you open the refrigerator.  these were tasty right away, but can be eaten for 3 weeks.

the night i made these, i just couldn't resist tossing the tomatoes i picked in with a whole jar.  we added some feta cheese and it was delicious.  this could be an entire meal, if some pasta and fresh mozzarella were added.

love,
​jane