Donna Towners Christmas Pickles
Sweet and tangy Christmas pickles with dill, onion, horseradish, and vinegar, perfect for holiday snacking or gift-giving, appealing to those who enjoy flavorful preserved vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain liquid from pickle strips.
- Add sugar, chopped onion, celery seed, vinegar, and prepared horseradish to the jar with pickle strips.
- Put the jar in the refrigerator.
- Turn the jar upside down daily to help dissolve the sugar.
- Allow the pickles to season well in two weeks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, you can reduce the sugar slightly if desired, or substitute half with honey for a natural twist. If you're out of celery seed, dill seeds can provide a similar flavor. Ensure the jar is clean and dry before adding the ingredients to prevent spoilage. For added flavor, consider including a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas pickles make a delightful addition to holiday charcuterie boards or as a zesty side with sandwiches. They pair beautifully with Cole Slaw For Crowd for a refreshing crunch. Serve alongside meats or as a topping for burgers to enhance flavors. Enjoy them with a Sparkling Raspberry Spritzer for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickles in the refrigerator in their jar, ensuring they are fully submerged in the syrup. They can be kept for up to a month, though they are best enjoyed within two weeks for maximum flavor. Do not freeze, as this will alter the texture of the pickles.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Donna Towners Christmas Pickles contains roughly 770 calories, with 6g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 968mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
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?
The pickles require at least two weeks in the refrigerator to fully absorb the flavors and sugar. For the best results, allow them to sit longer if possible, as this will deepen the taste. Remember to turn the jar upside down daily during this time.
Can I use different types of pickles for this recipe?
Yes, while dill pickle strips are traditional, you can experiment with bread and butter pickles for a sweeter version or even spicy pickles for an extra kick. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly depending on your choice.
What can I do if the sugar isn't dissolving?
If the sugar isn't dissolving as expected, make sure the jar is turned upside down daily and give it a gentle shake. You can also let the jar sit at room temperature for a few hours to help dissolve the sugar before returning it to the refrigerator.
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).