Bread and Butter Pickles

Introduction

History

The origin of Bread and Butter Pickles dates back to the Great Depression era in the United States. It is said that farmers, facing hard times, would trade these pickles for staples such as bread and butter, hence the name. The recipe has since become a beloved tradition in many households, cherished for its unique balance of sweetness and tanginess.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Notes

1. 4 or 5 sliced and seeded red chili peppers may be added to vinegar mixture.
2. Onion
3. White vinegar
4. Mustard seed
5. Celery seed
6. Ground turmeric

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best flavor and texture, use fresh, firm pickling cucumbers. Soaking the cucumbers and onions in salt before pickling helps to draw out excess water, resulting in crunchier pickles. Always use a non-reactive pot, such as stainless steel or enamel, to avoid any reaction with the vinegar. For a more intense flavor, let the pickles sit for a few weeks before consuming.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pickles as a side dish with sandwiches, burgers, or hot dogs. They also make a great addition to salads or can be enjoyed straight from the jar as a tangy snack.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is the pickling process, which involves soaking the cucumbers and onions in a vinegar-based brine. This not only flavors the vegetables but also preserves them.

Ingredient Substitutions

If pickling cucumbers are not available, you can use regular cucumbers, though the texture may be slightly different. Apple cider vinegar can be used in place of white vinegar for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

These pickles improve in flavor over time, so making them ahead is recommended. They can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.

Presentation Ideas

For an attractive presentation, pack the pickles into mason jars, layering the cucumber and onion slices. Tie a ribbon around the jar for a rustic, homemade look.

Pairing Recommendations

Bread and Butter Pickles pair well with rich, savory dishes, providing a refreshing contrast. Try them with grilled meats, hearty sandwiches, or cheese platters.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the pickles in airtight containers in the refrigerator. As this recipe involves pickling, reheating is not applicable.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Bread and Butter Pickles typically contains between 25-50 calories, making it a low-calorie addition to any meal.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Bread and Butter Pickles contains approximately 10-15 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the sugar and cucumbers. The exact amount can vary depending on the size of the servings.

Fats

This recipe is virtually fat-free, making it an excellent choice for those monitoring their fat intake.

Proteins

Bread and Butter Pickles contain minimal protein, as the main ingredients are cucumbers and onions.

Vitamins and minerals

These pickles are a good source of vitamin K, thanks to the cucumbers. They also contain small amounts of calcium, potassium, and vitamin C, contributed by both the cucumbers and onions.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, gluten, and soy, making it suitable for most diets.

Summary

Bread and Butter Pickles are a low-calorie, fat-free snack that can add a burst of flavor to your meals without adding significant calories or allergens. They provide a small amount of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any diet.

Summary

Bread and Butter Pickles are a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for enhancing a wide range of dishes. This recipe is not only easy to make but also offers a touch of nostalgia with its roots in American culinary history. Whether served as a side, a snack, or used to add flavor to your favorite dishes, these pickles are sure to be a hit.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Bread and Butter Pickles. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha, who was known far and wide for her delicious pickles. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on sweet tea and chatting about life, Martha suddenly disappeared into her pantry and emerged with a worn, yellowed piece of paper in her hand.

"Here, my dear," she said with a twinkle in her eye, "this is my secret recipe for Bread and Butter Pickles. I've been making them for years, and they never fail to impress."

I eagerly took the paper from her hand and studied the ingredients and instructions written in Martha's neat cursive handwriting. As I read through the recipe, I could almost taste the tangy-sweet pickles in my mouth. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make them myself.

Over the following weeks, Martha patiently taught me the art of making Bread and Butter Pickles. She showed me how to slice the cucumbers just right, how to mix the brine with just the perfect balance of sugar and vinegar, and how to pack the jars to ensure the pickles would be crisp and flavorful.

As I stood in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scent of dill and vinegar, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations, from Martha to me. And as I tasted the first bite of my homemade Bread and Butter Pickles, I knew that I had truly mastered the art of pickling.

But Martha wasn't the only one who had influenced my love of cooking and pickling. My own grandmother, Alice, had also played a significant role in shaping my culinary skills. I remember spending long summer days in her kitchen, watching in awe as she whipped up batch after batch of her famous jams and preserves.

One day, as we sat shelling peas on her porch, Grandma Alice began to tell me stories of her own childhood and how she had learned to cook from her own grandmother. She spoke of the long hours spent in the kitchen, stirring pots of bubbling jam and canning fruits and vegetables for the winter months.

"It's important to hold on to these recipes, dear," she said, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia. "They are a link to our past, a way of honoring those who came before us."

And so, armed with the knowledge passed down from both Martha and Grandma Alice, I continued to experiment with different recipes and techniques, always striving to create delicious dishes that would bring joy to those around me.

As the years passed, my Bread and Butter Pickles became a staple at family gatherings and potlucks. Friends and neighbors would often stop by just to sample a jar or two, and I took great pleasure in sharing my love of pickling with others.

But perhaps the most special moments were those spent in my own kitchen, with my own grandchildren by my side. As I taught them the art of pickling and shared stories of Martha and Grandma Alice, I could see the same passion for cooking and preserving begin to blossom in their young hearts.

And so, as I sit here today, surrounded by the laughter and chatter of my family, I am filled with gratitude for the recipes and traditions that have been passed down to me. I know that as long as I continue to cook and pickle with love and care, these recipes will live on for generations to come.

So here's to Bread and Butter Pickles, a recipe that holds a special place in my heart and will always remind me of the wonderful women who taught me the joys of cooking and preserving. Cheers to Martha, Grandma Alice, and all the culinary legends who have shaped my love of the kitchen. And may these pickles continue to bring joy and delight to all who taste them.

Categories

| American Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Cucumber Recipes | Pickle Recipes |

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