Cheater Sweet Pickles And Peños Recipes

CHEATER'S PICKLES

Steps:

• Cut off the ends of the cucumbers and use the tines of a fork to draw long stripes down their lengths. Slice the cucumbers like bread-and-butter pickles, about 1/8-inch thick, and pile them into a large shallow bowl. Sprinkle the sugar over the cucumbers and stir in well. Scatter the ice cubes over the slices and cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap. Chill in the freezer for 1/2 hour.
• Drain the cucumbers in a colander and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Put the cucumbers back in the bowl, sprinkle the vinegar over them evenly, and stir well. Add the salt and pepper, if using, and stir well to combine. Toss in the herbs and the onions, if using. Refrigerate until ready to serve. They will still be good the next day, though not quite as crisp.

COWBOY CANDY (SWEET PICKLED JALAPENOS)

Steps:

• 1. Slice jalapenos. Wear gloves and don't touch your eyes or other sensitive body parts!
• 2. NOTE: if you want them less spicy, place the sliced jalapenos in a large bowl of water and let the seeds float to the top. Pour off the seeds and drain well before proceeding.
• 3. In a medium saucepan, combine cider vinegar, sugar, turmeric, celery and mustard seeds, garlic, and cayenne. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Reduce the liquid for 5 minutes.
• 4. Add jalapenos to the syrup and simmer for 5 minutes more.
• 5. Remove jalapenos from liquid with a slotted spoon into a bowl Pack the jalapenos into 2 one-pint sterilized canning jars using a spoon, or a small spatula to press them into the jars. Add liquid filling the jars leaving a 1/4 inch head-space.
• 6. Process in a water bath for 15 minutes.

CHEATER SWEET PICKLES AND PEñOS

Steps:

• SLICE the pickles 1/4 inch thick.
• COMBINE the pickles with all the remaining ingredients in a large nonaluminum (stainless steel, glass, or ceramic) mixing bowl.
• COVER the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days.
• PACK the pickles in clean half-pint decorative jars. Seal the jars and keep refrigerated. The pickles will keep in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 months.