Ingredients:
10 cups of 2-3 inch cucumbers (any size can be used but I prefer small ones)
6 cups pickling vinegar
6 cups water
6 tbsp coarse salt
5 heads of fresh dill weed & dill leaves from the stems
5 heaping tsp black peppercorns
5 tbsp chili peppers
4 jalapenos sliced
4-5 medium cloves of garlic sliced
Makes 5 - 1 litre jars of pickles.
Scrub the cucumbers, rinse three or four times under cold water.
Wash and sterilize 5 - 1 litre jars. I put them upside down in the oven at 200 degrees for a minimum of 20 minutes.
Combine the salt, vinegar and water and bring to a boil in a metal pot.
In a separate pot place the snap lids in water and heat until almost at a boil then turn down (do not boil).
Remove one jar at a time from the oven careful not to burn yourself.
Place the following into each sterilized jar: one head of dill along with a bunch of dill leaves, 1 heaping tsp black peppercorns, 1 tbsp chili peppers, 3-4 slices of jalapenos and 3-4 slices of garlic. ( I put these in before the cucumbers as it is easier to stuff the cucumbers after).
Pack as many cucumbers into the hot sterilized jar, cover the cucumbers completely with the boiling liquid to within 1/2 inch of the top rim (head space). Using nonmetallic utensil, remove air bubbles. Wipe jar rim removing any stickiness. Center snap lid on jar, apply screw band lid securely and firmly until resistance is met. Do not over tighten.
Place jars on a board and cover with a cloth, leave overnight to cool off.
Store in a cool dark place for up to a year.
They are usually good to eat after 2 to 3 months. (the longer you leave them the spicier they become) I leave them longer and have had them keep for up to 2 years. If they become cloudy or if the lid is not secured properly, do not use.
Note: the ingredient measurements are approximate as I never measure what I put into each jar, sometimes I put more than what is noted above so if you want to play around with the measurements please do.
Usually I make 20 to 30 jars each year because everyone I know wants a jar and is always asking for more.
I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.