Never Too Much!!

We’ve all heard by now the growing importance and benefits of fermentation.  During the growing season when cucumbers, zucchini and other vegetables are so abundant you might be tempted to drop them anonymously on your neighbors doorsteps; it’s a great time to think about the winter larder.  I enjoy putting up food.  There’s nothing better than opening a jar of summer in the middle of winter.  It helps me to appreciate the life we’ve chosen and the obvious health benefits.

I enjoy both the color and flavor of pickled squash.  This recipe is flexible enough to use any squash that seems to be coming out of your ears.  Summer squash, zucchini (any variety) or my favorite, patty-pan.  I select small or medium sized squash as you don’t want the seed cavity to become to large, otherwise your pickles become mushy.  I also don’t use the amount of sugar typically recommended in many recipes; I find the brine way too sweet for my taste.  I typically triple this recipe if I’m hauling out all the canning stuff anyway. These little gems have become family favorites.

Fresh and abundant

Patty-Pan Squash Pickles:

1. 4-6 patty-pan squash, washed, halved vertically and sliced 1/4 inch thick (approximately 12 cups)

2. 2 medium sweet onions, halved vertically and sliced in 1/4 inch thick half moons

3. 2 red, orange, yellow or combination, seeded and sliced in 1/4 inch pieces equally 4 cups

4. 1/3 cup pickling salt

5. Ice cubes

6. 2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)

7. 1 cup can sugar

8. 1 tsp. mustard seeds

9. 1/2 tsp. celery seeds

10. 1/4 tsp. ground turmeric

Ready for the pint jars

Toss squash, onion and bell pepper strips with pickling salt in very large bowl.  Cover vegetables with ice cubes.  Cover and let stand for 3 hours.Sterilize pint jars, and prepare lids.  While jars are boiling, drain vegetables, but do not rinse, discarding brine and any unmelted ice.  Combine vinegar, sugar and spices in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Pack squash into hot jars, leaving 1/2 inch head space.  Cover with hot brine leaving 1/2 inch head space.  Seal and process jars for 10 minutes.  Remove jars from water and let stand for 24 hours.  Make sure each jars seals by pushing in the middle of each lid.  They should not pop.  Refrigerate after openings.  Makes 4, 1 pint jars.

Healthy & delicious patty-pan pickles.

“There may be many metaphors for living…. but we have to do the living.”

#onions #brickyardfarms #veggies #healthyeating #Pickles #squash #preserving #larder