Grandmas Pickled Fresh Zucchini Recipes

GRANDMA'S PICKLED FRESH ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.
• Scrub and trim the zucchini tops; cut crosswise into 1/4" - thick slices.
• In a mixing bowl, toss the zucchini with the olive oil; season with the onion powder, salt and pepper.
• Lay the zucchini slices on 2 large rimmed baking sheets without overlapping. Roast until zucchini are tender and undersides are a golden brown (about 10 - 12 minutes). Drain on a plate lined with paper towels; let cool.
• Transfer cooled zucchini to a mixing bowl; add the lemon juice, basil, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (optional). Give a gentle toss, and set aside.
• In a small saucepan, bring the vinegar to a boil. Boil until reduced to 1/2 cup (about 2-3 minutes). Let cool a-bit.
• Pour the reduced-vinegar over the zucchini; gently fold until well coated.
• Lay several slices of the zucchini in the bottom of a Mason jar. Fill the center with more slices so that the layer is even. Continue layering until the jar is full. (The garlic slivers can be placed randomly in the layers of zucchini, or completely omitted.).
• Press down on the zucchini to compress it. Pour the remaining reduced- vinegar over the slices so it covers the top layer.
• Chill for a minimum of 4 hours (longer is better). Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature.
• COOK'S TIP: Try preparing eggplant and carrots in this same manner, DELICIOUS!
• COOK'S NOTE: Actual Preparation Time is 10 minutes plus chilling.

GRANDMA'S DILL PICKLES

Steps:

• In a stockpot, bring water, vinegar and salt to a boil; boil 10 minutes. Pack cucumbers into nine hot quart jars within 1/2 in. of top. Place one dill head, two garlic cloves and two peppers in each jar. , Carefully ladle hot mixture into jars, leaving 1/2-in. headspace. . Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight. , Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 15 minutes. Remove jars and cool.

GRANDMA ARNDT'S PICKLES

Steps:

• Make a brine by dissolving 1/2 cup of salt in 4 cups water in a large container, place the cucumber spears into the brine, and let stand overnight.
• The next day, drain the cucumbers, rinse well with water, and set aside.
• Combine the sugar, vinegar, 1 cup of water, mustard seeds, celery seed, turmeric, and pickling salt in a large nonreactive pot, and bring to a boil. Add the carrot sticks, and boil for 2 minutes, until the carrots are cooked but not mushy. Stir in the pepper slices and cucumbers, and bring back to a boil.
• Sterilize canning jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the pickles into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings. Process in a boiling water bath canner for 15 minutes, remove the jars, and let cool to room temperature.
• Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.