Aunt Della'S Nine Day Sweet Pickles
Aunt Della's Nine Day Sweet Pickles offer a delightful blend of tangy sweetness with a hint of spice, perfect for those who enjoy classic homemade preserved vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers and cut into chunks.
- Mix pickling salt with water enough to cover cucumbers, heat, and pour over packed cucumbers in a stone jar.
- Let stand for 3 days.
- Drain and discard the brine.
- Make a solution of 3 tablespoons powdered alum in 1 gallon water, heat, and pour over cucumbers.
- Let stand for 3 days.
- Drain the cucumbers.
- Cover with clear water and let stand overnight, then drain for 30 minutes.
- Replace cucumbers in the stone jar.
- Make a vinegar and sugar solution with 1/2 gallon vinegar and 4 quarts sugar.
- Tie 1/2 box pickling spices in a cloth and place in the jar.
- Let stand for 3 days.
- Remove from the stone jar and pack into canning jars.
- Heat the vinegar and sugar solution to boiling.
- Cover the pickles and seal the jars.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best results, use fresh, firm cucumbers and consider substituting sea salt for pickling salt if necessary. You can adjust the sugar in the vinegar solution to suit your taste; start with less and gradually increase if you prefer sweeter pickles. Experiment with additional spices like dill or garlic for a unique flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet pickles make a delightful addition to any charcuterie board and pair beautifully with sandwiches or burgers. They also complement savory dishes such as fried chicken or BBQ ribs. For a unique twist, chop them up and add to a salad, or serve alongside the Northwest Purple Plum Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Once sealed, these pickles can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. After opening, keep them refrigerated and consume within a few weeks for the best flavor and crunch. Ensure the jars are tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Della'S Nine Day Sweet Pickles contains roughly 5 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do these pickles need to sit before they're ready to eat?
The pickles will need a total of nine days to ferment and develop their flavor properly. Patience is key, as this process allows the cucumbers to absorb the brine and spices, resulting in deliciously sweet pickles.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, while the recipe calls for standard white vinegar, you can substitute apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor. Just ensure it’s a similar acidity level to maintain the pickling process.
What should I do if I find the pickles too salty?
If the pickles come out too salty, try rinsing them briefly under cold water before serving. You can also adjust the salt level in future batches by reducing the amount of pickling salt used in the brining step.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).