Quick Pickled Zucchini And Summer Squash Food

QUICK PICKLED ZUCCHINI AND SUMMER SQUASH

Steps:

• Using a mandolin, carefully slice the summer squash. If using a knife, make sure to cut pieces as evenly as possible, to the same thickness. Thicker slices will result in a crunchier pickle. Paper-thin will be softer.
• Slice the small onion, or shallot. Toss both onion and squash in a bowl with a tablespoon of salt and let drain in a colander or strainer over a bowl for 2 hours or overnight. Pat dry.
• Make the pickling solution: In a small pot, bring white wine vinegar, water, rice wine vinegar, sugar, and salt to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves, let cool slightly.
• In each 4 oz jar, add about a tablespoon of fresh dill, a teaspoon of mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp peppercorns, a few slices of chile pepper and sliced garlic cloves. You could also try experimenting with other seeds like whole coriander, cumin, or fennel seed. Then layer the squash and onion in jars, and top off with the pickling liquid.
• Press down on the squash. Seal, and let cool in the fridge.

SQUASH PICKLES WITH ZUCCHINI OR YELLOW SUMMER SQUASH

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients and canning equipment.
• Place zucchini or summer squash and onions in a large nonreactive pot ; add the pickling salt and enough water to cover. Let stand for 2 hours.
• Pour the mixture into a colander; rinse well with cold water and drain thoroughly.
• Return the rinsed squash to the nonreactive pot.
• Pour the vinegar into a 2-quart saucepan and bring to a boil and stir in 1 cup of the sugar, celery seed, turmeric, and mustard seed.
• Pour the hot vinegar over the squash and onions. Taste and add up to 1 cup additional sugar depending upon your preference. Let stand for 2 hours.
• Meanwhile, prepare the jars and lids . Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Fill a large canner with water.
• Place a rack in the pan and add the jars. Bring to a simmer. Turn the heat down to low to keep the jars hot.
• Put the lids in a separate saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a bare simmer; do not boil. Keep them hot in the barely simmering water until it's time to seal the jars.
• Bring the squash and vinegar mixture back to a boil, cook for 5 minutes then remove from the heat.
• Pack the boiled squash pickles into the hot sterilized jars leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe the edges of the jar with a clean, damp paper towel and seal with the lid and screw-on bands. Do not overtighten.
• Process pint or quart jars in the boiling water bath for 10 minutes from 1 to 1,000 feet, 15 minutes from 1,001 to 6,000 feet, or 20 minutes above 6,000 feet in altitude. Keep the water at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars, adding extra boiling water to cover, if necessary. Serve and enjoy.

QUICK PICKLED ZUCCHINI OR YELLOW SQUASH OR ONION OR BELL PEPPER

Steps:

• Mix sugar, salt, vinegar and chosen spice.
• Add zucchini (or other veggies). Be sure veggies are covered, if not adjust.
• Let the flavors develop for at least 3 hours in the fridge.
• This keeps very well in the fridge.
• If you are doing a big batch, consider freezing after the 3 hours.
• If you do a bunch of small zip locks or container you will be able to take just enough out at one time.
• If in zip locks, you can lay them out to freeze and then put a bunch in a larger zip lock for easy handling in the freezer.
• Remember to mark them, especially if you do a bunch of different spice mixes.
• If you make cucumbers, test freeze them. I am not sure they would freeze well.