Miss Birdie'S Pickles
Miss Birdie's Pickles are tangy, sweet, and spicy homemade pickles, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and crunchy textures with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put cucumbers in refrigerator hydrator with a gallon of cold water and salt.
- Let sit one week.
- Cut board to fit hydrator to hold pickles down.
- Pour off water, cover with boiling water and let stand overnight; drain.
- Cut cucumbers into slices.
- Cover with boiling water, alum, and horseradish.
- Let stand overnight; drain.
- Cover with boiling water and the same horseradish root.
- Let stand overnight again.
- Bring to boil the remaining ingredients and pour over pickles. Repeat for 5 mornings.
- On the 5th morning, put in heated jars and fill with boiling liquid, then seal.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your pickles are crunchy, choose fresh, firm cucumbers and avoid those with blemishes. If you can't find alum, you can substitute it with a pinch of baking soda, but the texture may vary slightly. Consider adding a few crushed garlic cloves for extra flavor or using apple cider vinegar instead of white for a hint of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
These pickles make a fantastic snack on their own or as a tangy side to grilled meats. They pair beautifully with Rib Eye Roast or can be chopped and added to sandwiches for an extra crunch. Serve them alongside Luau Cole Slaw for a delightful summer meal or picnic.
Storage & Reheating
Once sealed, store the jars in a cool, dark place for optimal flavor development. If you have leftover pickles, keep them in the refrigerator to maintain their crunch. They can last for several months in the fridge, but once opened, consume within a few weeks for the best taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Miss Birdie'S Pickles contains roughly 1293 calories, with 27g protein, 285g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (237% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (162% of the Daily Value), and potassium (78% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2817mg per serving (122% 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 marinate before they're ready to eat?
The pickles require a full week of soaking initially, plus additional overnight marinating after each boiling step. This process develops their flavor and ensures they are well-preserved, making them perfect for enjoying once the final step is complete.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the pickles?
Yes, you can modify the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a less sweet pickle, start with 8 pounds instead of 10 and adjust in future batches based on your liking. Just keep in mind that reducing sugar may affect preservation.
Is it possible to use different types of cucumbers?
While this recipe specifies 6-inch cucumbers, you can experiment with other varieties like Kirby or Persian cucumbers, which are also great for pickling. Just ensure they are firm and fresh for the best results.
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).