RECIPE: Pickled Eggs

When you've got 15 laying hens, there are times there is an over-abundance of eggs. This recipe was a hit with the husband. They can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

INGREDIENTS:

12 Eggs, boiled/peeled

4 c. Vinegar

1 Small Onion, chopped

2 Cloves Garlic, whole

1/3 c. Sugar

1 Tbsp. Pickling Spices

1/2 tsp. Black Peppercorns

1 tsp. Dill Weed

Fill a sterile quart jar with eggs. Combine all other ingredients in a saucepan and boil for 5 minutes. Pour boiling brine over eggs, secure with a new canning lid, and process in a hot bath canner for 15 minutes. Makes 1 doz eggs.

RECIPE: Carrie's Stinky Cauliflower

A spicy and tangy experimental conglomeration of several recipes inspired by Vlasic Hot Cauliflower and Giardiniera. My brother and I referred to these items as "Stinky Cauliflower" as kids!

INGREDIENTS: 

VEGGIES:

Cauliflower

Carrots

Celery

Cucumber

Red Bell Pepper

SEASONINGS:

1 Jar Green Olives with Pimento, drained

6 Tbsp. Minced Onion

12 Cloves Garlic

6 Sprigs Oregano

6 Jalapeno Peppers, Sliced (OR 6 Tbsp. Crushed Red Pepper)

6 Bay Leaves

3 tsp. Black Peppercorn

6 Tbsp. Olive Oil

BRINE:

5 Cups Water

5 Cups White Vinegar

1/2 Cup Pickling Salt

Prepare 6 sterile quart jars with fresh sterile lids and rings.Chop/slice Veggies coarsely, set aside. Divide Seasonings equally among the 6 jars (1/6th jar olives, 1 Tbsp. onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 sprig oregano, 1 jalapeno, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 tsp. peppercorn, 1 Tbsp. olive oil each). Pack Veggies into jars after seasonings, as equally as possible, leaving 1/2" head space.

Begin heating water to appx 140 degrees in your hot bath canner while combining Brine ingredients in a non-reactive pan. Bring Brine to a boil, then pour brine into jars leaving 1/2" head space. Place sterile lids and rings tightened to touch on jars and place them into hot canner using canning tongs. 

Place lid on hot bath canner and bring water to a rolling boil and place lid on canner (see directions to your individual model if using a pressure canner as a hot bath canner. Some parts may need to be removed first!). After the water begins to boil, set a timer for 10 minutes. Continue boiling vigorously.

After 10 minutes, carefully lift the canner lid away from you (to avoid steam burns) and let jars sit in hot canner for 5 minutes. Remove jars from canner with tongs and place jars on a towel where they will not be disturbed for roughly 24 hours. You should hear occasional "pings" as cooling jars seal.

Store for at least 2 weeks before serving. Will last about 1 year under desirable storage conditions. Makes appx. 6 quarts.

RECIPE: Dad's Dilly Beans

A favorite among Carrie's family,  these zesty beans make a delicious addition to a late summer's relish tray.

Dilly Beans- Made with Contender Bush and Yellow Wax.

INGREDIENTS:

Appx. 1/2 Bushel Stringless Beans (Contender Bush or Yellow Wax work nicely)

5 Cups Water

5 Cups White Vinegar

1/2 Cup Pickling Salt

12 Cloves Garlic, Whole

6 Heads Fresh Dill OR 6 tsp. Dill Weed

6 Cayenne Peppers, Whole OR 6 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper

3 tsp. Black Peppercorn

Prepare 6 sterile quart canning jars with rings and fresh lids. (Can be easily done in dishwasher). Into each jar place 2 cloves garlic, 1 head fresh dill, 1 cayenne pepper and 1/2 tsp. black peppercorn. Pack each jar to capacity with beans (it is easier if you use large mouth jars and lay the jars on their side as you pack them!). 

Begin heating water to appx 140 degrees in a hot bath canner. Water should be deep enough to cover jars by 1" (appx. 1/2 full if using a 23 quart pressure canner).

In a non-reactive pan, combine water, vinegar and salt. Bring brine to a boil. Pour boiling brine into each jar, leaving a 1/4" head space. Wipe jar rim and place fresh lid on jar. Screw on rings to touch (not too tightly!). Lower jars into hot canner using canning tongs (available anywhere canning goods are sold). Be sure jars are covered by about 1" of water. If not, add more water to canner and re-heat to boiling.

Place lid on canner  and heat to full rolling boil (see directions for your individual canner before placing the lid. Some will call for removing various parts from the lid for use as a hot bath canner). Once it begins to boil fully, set a timer for 10 minutes. Continue boiling vigorously. After 10 minutes, lift the lid carefully away from you (to avoid steam burns), and let the jars sit for appx. 5 minutes. Use canning tongs to remove jars from hot canner and place on a towel where they won't be disturbed for roughly 24 hours. You should hear "pinging" noises occasionally as the cooling jars seal.

Store at least 2 weeks before serving, preferably a month. Makes appx. 6 quarts.