Barberry Pickled Relish Food

OLD-FASHIONED PICKLE RELISH (TRADITIONAL OR SPICY)

Steps:

• Combine the cukes, onions, and peppers in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and cover with cold water. Place a layer of ice cubes on top to cover surface of relish.
• Let stand 2 hours up to 12 hours.
• Drain thoroughly, pressing out excess liquid.
• Place drained veggies, sugar, vinegar and spices in a large stainless steel kettle. If making the spicy version, you will add your pepper flakes now also.
• Bring to a boil over high heat watching so as not to scorch. Simmer for 10 minutes.
• Pack hot into 1/2 pint jars.
• Process in a water-bath for 10 minutes.

SWEET PICKLE RELISH

Steps:

• To deseed cucumbers, I cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with my finger.
• I chop the unpeeled cucumbers as well as the other vegetables with a Pampered Chef chopper.
• Put all the vegetables in a large bowl.
• Sprinkle the salt over the chopped vegetables.
• Cover with cold water and let stand for 2 hours.
• Drain vegetables well, then press out as much liquid as possible.
• In a large pot, combine sugar, vinegar and seeds.
• Bring to a boil.
• Add vegetables.
• Bring back to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon, put into pint jars according to standard canning procedures.
• (Note: Although some of the brine needs to go in the jars, I use a slotted spoon to keep it from being too soupy.).
• Process in a hot water bath according to your altitude (10 minutes for up 50 1000 ft.).

SWEET PICKLE RELISH BY THE JAR

Steps:

• In a large non-metal bowl, combine cucumbers, onions, and peppers; toss with salt, then cover with water. Let stand, covered, for two hours.
• Drain vegetables in a colander and rinse with cold water; drain again.
• In a large pot, combine sugar, vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds (if using), and turmeric.
• Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
• Add vegetables and return to boiling; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until most of the liquid evaporates, about 10 minutes.
• Transfer to a hot sterilized jar and let cool.
• Cover and store in the refrigerator.