Ma'S Sweet Pickles
Ma's Sweet Pickles are a delightful blend of fresh cucumber strips infused with a tangy, sweet brine. The combination of vinegar, sugar, and spices like mustard and celery seed creates a perfect balance of flavors, making these pickles an ideal accompaniment to sandwiches, burgers, or as a crunchy snack for any gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- After cucumbers are cut into strips, let them set in water with the canning salt.
- Let set for about 3 1/2 hours.
- Drain the cucumbers.
- Mix the vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, and celery seed over medium heat until very hot, but not boiling.
- Put the cucumber strips in the hot solution until they begin to change color.
- Pack into jars with the hot solution, covering and putting hot lids on.
- Let seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh, firm cucumbers to ensure crispness. If you prefer a spicier pickle, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or substituting dill seed for mustard seed. Adjust the sugar to your taste if you like sweeter pickles. Be sure to use a non-reactive pot for heating the vinegar mixture. These pickles can be enjoyed with dishes like Smoked Fish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ma's Sweet Pickles as a delightful snack or alongside a charcuterie board. They complement rich dishes like BBQ or fried chicken beautifully. For a refreshing twist, include them in a Fat Free Vegetable Salad or as a crunchy topping on burgers. They also pair well with items like Copper Penny Carrots.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep the pickles in the refrigerator and consume them within a month for optimal flavor and crunch. The pickles can be enjoyed straight from the jar or added to sandwiches and salads.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ma'S Sweet Pickles contains roughly 22 calories, with 1g protein, 5g 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 sweet pickles need to sit before they're ready to eat?
After sealing the jars, let the pickles sit for at least 2 weeks before opening. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to absorb the sweet and tangy brine, resulting in a more flavorful pickle.
Can I use other types of cucumbers for this recipe?
Yes, while traditional pickling cucumbers work best, you can also use slicing cucumbers. Just keep in mind that slicing cucumbers may have a higher water content, which could affect the final texture of your pickles.
What can I do if my pickles are too sweet?
If your pickles turn out too sweet for your taste, you can balance the sweetness by adding a little more vinegar in your next batch. Alternatively, you can mix these sweet pickles with a savory dish to offset the sweetness, like in a Paradise Salad.
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).