vinegar smells good....

At least I think so, in moderation. A word to the wise, though: when boiling vinegar, sugar, and spices, don't put your face over it and breathe in deep to see what it smells like. It will clear your sinuses out - even if you didn't think you needed it! (Not that I'm talking from experience or anything... wink wink).

These are good, so far, so thought I'd post them quickly.


Refrigerator Pickles
3 large cucumber pickles
4 Tbsp. salt
1 small-medium onion
1 1/2 c. vinegar
3/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp. pickling spices

Using a slicer, cut cucumbers into thin slices and place in a large bowl. Add the salt, 2 Tbsp at a time and stir to coat the cucumbers. Add onion and stir well. Chill in the refrigerator, covered, for 2.5 hours.

In the meantime, bring the vinegar, sugar, and spices to a boil, stirring regularly until sugar dissolves. Let boils for about 1 minute. Remove the vinegar mixture from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Once it is cool, pour through a fine strainer or cheesecloth to separate the spices from the vinegar mixture.

Drain the excess water off the cucumbers after 2.5 hours has passed and pour the vinegar mixture over this. Cover and return to the refrigerator for 1 day.... if you can wait that long. Keith says they are better the longer you let them sit, but they taste pretty good right away. I'm not sure ours will make it until tomorrow. :-D

UPDATE: Keith was right... waiting made them even better! He also added a little bit of garlic to them which is a nice addition - but they were good without, too.