Smokey Links
Smokey Links are delicious preserved pickles with a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor profile, perfect for snack lovers and those who enjoy homemade fermented preserves.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and scrub small to medium-sized pickles, removing black spots.
- Slice the pickles and place them in a large crock or glass jar.
- Add 2 cups of coarse salt to each gallon of cold water to make a brine.
- Let the pickles stand in the brine for 1 week.
- Pour off the water and add 1 tablespoon of powdered alum to every gallon of boiling water.
- Add green food coloring from 1 bottle to the boiling water.
- Pour the colored boiling water over the drained pickles and let stand for 24 hours.
- Pour off the water and pour boiling water over the pickles again, letting them cool afterward.
- Meanwhile, make a syrup by combining 5 cups apple vinegar, 6 cups sugar, 1 ounce celery seed, and 1 ounce pickling spices, then heat to boiling.
- Pour the hot syrup over the pickles and reheat the juice for 3 days.
- Add 1 cup sugar to the juice each day during this period.
- On the fourth day, pour off the syrup and pack the pickles into clean, hot jars, then pour hot syrup over them.
- Seal the jars with lids and process in a hot water bath for 7 to 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier pickle, consider adding a few grape leaves to the jar, as they contain tannins that help maintain texture. If you can't find powdered alum, try using pickling lime as a substitute. Be sure to use non-iodized salt for brining to avoid discoloration and off-flavors. Adjust the sugar in the syrup to your taste, especially if you prefer a less sweet outcome.
Serving Suggestions
These pickles make an excellent side dish for barbecued meats, especially when paired with Rita'S Barbecue Sauce. They also complement sandwiches and burgers perfectly. For a refreshing meal, try serving them alongside Lo-Cal Potato Salad(Makes 4 Cups) or Aunt Pearl'S Marinated Slaw for a delightful picnic spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of Smokey Links in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep them in the refrigerator where they can last for several weeks. To enjoy them later, simply remove the desired amount and serve cold or at room temperature. If reheating, do so gently to maintain their texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smokey Links contains roughly 3 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 do I ensure my pickles are crunchy?
To keep your pickles crunchy, avoid using table salt which can make them mushy. Instead, opt for coarse salt specifically meant for pickling. Additionally, adding a small amount of alum or grape leaves can help maintain their crispness throughout the brining process.
Can I modify the sweetness of the syrup?
Absolutely! You can adjust the sugar in the syrup to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a tangier flavor, reduce the sugar slightly. Alternatively, try using a sugar substitute if you're aiming for a lower-calorie option.
What can I do if my pickles are too salty?
If your pickles turn out too salty, you can soak them in fresh water for a few hours to draw out excess salt. Change the water regularly to help reduce the saltiness. Just be aware that this may also dilute some of the flavors.
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).