Tuesday, June 12, 2012

NEW Summer Flower Accessories

I made some new flowers for Summer~what are YOU wearing to the beach/pool? All of these flowers are available at Bellababy Studio.









Happy Summer!

Summer Cucumber & Onion Pickles

Nothing says Summer like crispy, cold pickled cukes! This recipe is so simple and I actually already had all the ingredients in my kitchen! No processing necessary~You HAVE to try this!

What you will need:
1 large canning jar with lid (you could even use old pickle jar from store)
1 cup white vinegar
1 large cucumber (peeled & sliced into thick rounds)
1 medium yellow onion (peeled & sliced into thick rounds)
1 cup water
1 tbs pickling spices (I use Ball Mixed Pickling Spices, available at grocery store)
2 tbs salt
1 tsp black pepper

Mix all these in a small saucepan and heat over high until hot, remove from heat and stir. I like to do this so pickling spices' flavor really gets in there!  Let sit until it's about room temperature (you don't want to cook those fresh veggies!).

Ball Pickling Spices


sauce pan mixture all cooled...

Next, get your jar and start layering your cukes and onions while alternating between the two. I like to really pack them in there so they aren't floating in the brine while pickling in fridge.

Cukes & Onions layered...

Then take your pickling liquid and pour into jar about 1/4" from top rim. If there is any pickling spices left in sauce pan, just strain them out and put them into jar as well~don't want to lose any flavor! Next, screw the lid on tightly and give it a good shake to assure those spices are evenly distributed throughout the jar.




All mixed!!!


Are you drooling yet? Cuz I am! Keep these babies in the fridge for at least 48 hours (if you can wait that long!) then open and crunch! These will keep in fridge for about 3 weeks but I don't think they will last that long. Mine never do! ENJOY!!!


UPDATE!!!
It's only been 3 days since I've opened the jar and my 6 yr. old son has eaten practically ALL of the cucumbers! I've enjoyed the onions on a burger, sloppy joe and in salad. You simply MUST try this!
 Eat up!