Grace'S Pickles
Grace's Pickles are crisp, sweet and tangy homemade pickles with a hint of mustard and celery seeds, perfect for snack platters or adding a flavor punch to meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add salt and ice cubes to sliced cucumbers and let stand for 3 hours.
- Drain the cucumbers after standing.
- Mix sugar, vinegar, mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the cucumbers.
- Bring to a boil once more, then put in pint jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best crunch, ensure cucumbers are fresh and firm. Adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar based on your taste preference. If you don't have mustard seed, dill seeds can be a good substitute. Using ice cubes helps to keep the cucumbers crisp during the salting process. Make sure to boil the mixture properly to dissolve the sugar completely.
Serving Suggestions
These pickles are a fantastic addition to sandwiches or as a tangy side with any meal. They pair beautifully with Spanish Style White Rice or can be enjoyed alongside a Green Salad And Dressing for a refreshing contrast. For a unique twist, serve them as part of a charcuterie board, adding variety to your appetizers.
Storage & Reheating
Store the finished pickles in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate the jars and consume within two months for optimal freshness. To enhance flavors, let the pickles sit for at least a week before tasting. If you have leftovers, they can be enjoyed cold straight from the jar.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grace'S Pickles contains roughly 125 calories, with 5g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and potassium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1570mg per serving (68% 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 the pickles need to sit before they're ready to eat?
Ideally, allow the pickles to marinate for at least a week after sealing to develop their full flavor. The longer they sit, the more intense the taste becomes. However, they can be eaten sooner if you're eager to try them, just be aware that the flavor will be less pronounced.
Can I use other vegetables for pickling in this recipe?
Yes, this pickling brine can also be used for other vegetables such as carrots, radishes, or green beans. Just ensure that the vegetables are cut to similar sizes for even pickling. Adjust the salting time accordingly based on the vegetable's texture and water content.
Is it necessary to use ice cubes in this recipe?
Using ice cubes is not strictly necessary, but they help maintain the crispness of the cucumbers during the salting process. If you prefer, you can skip the ice and simply let the cucumbers sit with salt for the same amount of time, though the texture may be slightly softer.
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).