Dill Pickles–the Easy Way

I planted pickling cucumbers this year, just like last year, so that I can make homemade pickles. I have found a mix that makes it so easy to make pickles that anyone can do it.

You need to buy white vinegar (5% acidity); Mrs. Wages’ Dill Pickle mix; and pick or buy a pile of cucumbers….

I washed these cucumbers and scrubbed them till all the spines were off. Then I hand sliced them because I like a thick pickle chip and my mandolin cuts them too thin and then they are mushy after processing. (You need to remove the blossom end.)

You need to get your hot water bath hot before you start packing your jars, especially if you are making quarts of pickles because it takes so long to get it up to temperature. YOU DO NOT PRESSURE CAN PICKLES. Just follow the directions on the mix packet and you’ll be surprised at how easy the process is.

I had all of these done before 9:00 A.M. this morning and I didn’t start until a little after 7.

I have a little more of the brine left and will store it in the refrigerator for a few days until some more cucumbers are ready to pick. I plan to make some bread and butter pickles next week…stay tuned.