Pickled Asparagus Awesome Food

PICKLED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• In a stockpot, bring 6 qts. of water to a boil. Cook asparagus in batches, uncovered, for 2-1/2 minutes. Remove and rinse in cold water., In a Dutch oven, combine the vinegar, salt, pickling spices, garlic and remaining water; bring to a boil. Pack asparagus in quart jars to within 1/2 in. of top. , Carefully ladle hot mixture into hot quart jars, leaving 1/2-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles, wipe rims and adjust lids. Process for 20 minutes in a boiling-water canner.

WONDERFUL PICKLED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Place several slices of onion in the bottom of two 1-quart jars.
• Trim the asparagus to fit in the jars; pack them in with the cut-end facing down.
• Place the pepper strips in between asparagus.
• Combine the remaining ingredients in a saucepan, and boil over moderate heat for 10 minutes.
• Pour into the jars, leaving 1/2-inch head space.
• Seal the jars according to the manufacturer's directions; process for 20 minutes in boiling water bath.

PICKLED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Cut bottoms off asparagus to make them fit upright in a pint jar. Asparagus tips should be at least 1/2 inch below lid. (Reserve bottoms for another use.)
• Pour about 2 inches water into a skillet large enough to hold asparagus lying down; bring to a boil. In batches, blanch asparagus: place in skillet, bring water back to a boil, and then immediately remove and run under very cold water or dunk in ice water. Set aside to drain.
• Combine remaining ingredients in a saucepan with 2 1/4 cups vinegar and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally and cook just until salt dissolves; turn off heat.
• Prepare 4 clean, hot pint jars and bands, and new lids. (Dip in boiling water, or run through dishwasher.) When jars are dry but still hot, pack asparagus into them, wedging spears in tightly. There should be enough for 3 or 4 full jars: do not half-fill jars.
• Pour in vinegar solution, just to barely cover tips of asparagus. Make sure to leave 1/2 inch air space above vinegar solution. Distribute garlic slivers and spices evenly among jars. Wipe rims with a clean paper towel dipped in hot water, place lids on top and screw on bands. (Not too tight, just firmly closed.)
• Prepare a boiling-water bath in a deep pot with a rack. Place jars on rack and pour water over them, making sure water covers jars by 2 to 3 inches. Bring water back to a rolling boil over high heat, start a timer for 10 minutes, then reduce heat and gently boil. When timer goes off, turn off heat and wait 5 minutes before removing jars with jar lifter or tongs. Let cool on counter, untouched, 4 to 6 hours. After 12 to 24 hours, check seals: lift each jar up by the lid, and press the lid to make sure the center is sucked down tightly.
• Store in a cool, dark, dry place (not refrigerator) for 4 weeks before using, or up to 1 year. Refrigerate after opening. To serve, drain off pickling liquid and arrange asparagus on plates. Add hard-boiled egg, drizzle with oil and shower with black pepper.

PICKLED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Bring the water, vinegar, and salt to a boil for 15 minutes.
• Remove all the cloves from the pickling spice (or as much as you can).
• Wrap the remaining spice in a cheese cloth or tea holder and hang in the vinegar mixture.
• Break off the ends of the asparagus and blanch for 1 to 1-1/2 minutes, then plunge into ice water.
• Place 1 garlic clove and 1 pepper into each quart jar. Pack the asparagus into the jars standing on end, then pour the vinegar mixture into the jars making sure its very hot at the time to ensure a good seal on the jars.
• Wipe rims, place lids and screw on bands fingertip-tight.
• Process in a boiling water bath for ten minutes.
• Store in pantry for 2-1/2 to 3 months before use.

PICKLED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Trim asparagus by snapping off the tough bottoms.
• Combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices in a small saucepan.
• Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
• Place the asparagus in a small nonreactive dish.
• Pour the hot pickling liquid over the asparagus.
• Allow the asparagus to cool, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
• Pickled asparagus will keep, covered, for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
• Used as garnish for Bloody Mary.