Christmas Pickles

Christmas Pickles Recipe - Delicious Homemade Holiday Treat

Preparation time: 24 hours | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8 pt (3.78 liter)

Introduction

Christmas pickles are a sweet and tangy treat that are perfect for the holiday season. These pickles are a popular tradition in many households and are often served as a side dish or snack during Christmas gatherings. The combination of crunchy cucumbers and a flavorful syrup make these pickles a delicious addition to any holiday meal.

History

The history of Christmas pickles is a bit unclear, with some sources claiming that the tradition originated in Germany while others believe it to be an American invention. Regardless of its origins, Christmas pickles have become a beloved holiday treat in many parts of the world. The sweet and spicy flavor of these pickles make them a unique and festive addition to any Christmas celebration.

Ingredients

8 pt (3.78 liter) canning jars

Soaking solution

9 large cucumbers (8 to 10)
2 cup pickling lime
2 gal (7.57 liter) water

Boiling solution

1 cup vinegar
1 bottle red food coloring (Shilling's is prettiest)
1 tbsp alum

Syrup

2 cup vinegar
10 cup sugar (5 lb (2.27 kg))
2 cup water
14 oz (397 g) red hots (12 – 14 oz)
8 cinnamon sticks (1 per jar)
2 tsp salt

How to prepare

Peel and remove seeds from 8 to 10 large cucumbers.
Remove the seeds using an apple corer.
Slice the cucumbers into rings that are 0.5 to 0.75 inches wide.
Soak the cucumber rings overnight in a porcelain container filled with lime and water (do not use aluminum).
Wash and drain the cucumber rings, then soak them in clear water and cover them with ice cubes for 3 hours.
Drain the cucumber rings.
Place the cucumber rings in a large pot.
Cover the cucumber rings with water and add the other ingredients for the boiling solution.
Boil the cucumber rings for 1 hour, then drain them.
Prepare the syrup by bringing it to a boil to dissolve the sugar.
Use one cinnamon stick for each jar you plan to use.
Pour the syrup over the cucumber rings and let them stand overnight.
Drain the syrup from the cucumber rings into a separate pan and bring it to a boil.
Pour the boiled syrup back over the cucumber rings.
Once cooled, cover the cucumber rings with plastic wrap.
Repeat step 5 for 3 days.
On the fourth morning, heat the syrup again.
While heating the syrup, pack the cucumber rings into sterilized pint jars (larger jars can also be used) along with a cinnamon stick.
Pour the heated syrup into the jars, filling them almost to the top.
If you don't have enough syrup, make more by combining water and red food coloring.
Seal the jars.
Using a water bath is optional.

Variations

For a spicier version of Christmas pickles, try adding a few slices of jalapeno or red pepper flakes to the syrup mixture. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar or spices to create a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Christmas pickles, it's important to use fresh cucumbers and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor. Be sure to follow the soaking and boiling instructions carefully to achieve the perfect texture and taste. Additionally, be sure to sterilize your jars properly before packing the pickles to ensure they stay fresh for longer.

Serving Suggestions

Christmas pickles can be served as a side dish alongside roasted meats, sandwiches, or cheese platters. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a tasty and flavorful snack.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making delicious Christmas pickles is to soak the cucumbers in lime and water overnight to achieve the perfect texture. Be sure to follow the boiling and syrup instructions carefully to ensure the pickles are flavorful and crunchy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have red hots on hand, you can substitute them with cinnamon candies or cinnamon sticks. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar or sweeteners to create a unique flavor profile for your pickles.

Make Ahead Tips

Christmas pickles can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a month. Be sure to seal the jars properly to keep the pickles fresh and flavorful.

Presentation Ideas

To make your Christmas pickles look festive, consider adding a decorative label or ribbon to the jars. You can also arrange the pickles on a serving platter with fresh herbs or spices for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Christmas pickles pair well with a variety of dishes, including roasted meats, sandwiches, and cheese platters. They can also be enjoyed alongside a glass of sparkling wine or cider for a festive holiday treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Christmas pickles should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. To reheat the pickles, simply remove them from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas pickles contains approximately 120 calories. This makes them a relatively low-calorie snack that can be enjoyed guilt-free during the holiday season.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas pickles contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the sugar used in the syrup, making these pickles a sweet treat that should be enjoyed in moderation.

Fats

Christmas pickles are a low-fat food, with each serving containing less than 1 gram of fat. This makes them a healthy option for those looking to enjoy a tasty snack without consuming too much fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas pickles contains less than 1 gram of protein. While these pickles may not be a significant source of protein, they can still be enjoyed as a delicious and flavorful side dish.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas pickles are a good source of vitamin C, with each serving containing approximately 10% of the recommended daily intake. Additionally, these pickles contain small amounts of calcium and iron, making them a nutritious addition to your holiday meal.

Alergens

Christmas pickles do not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten. However, it's always important to check the labels of any ingredients used to ensure they are safe for those with food allergies.

Summary

Overall, Christmas pickles are a delicious and festive treat that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. With their low fat and calorie content, these pickles are a great option for those looking to indulge in a sweet and tangy snack during the holiday season.

Summary

Christmas pickles are a delicious and festive treat that can be enjoyed during the holiday season. With their sweet and tangy flavor, these pickles are a unique addition to any Christmas celebration. Whether served as a side dish or snack, Christmas pickles are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a cold winter day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As soon as I came across the page for Christmas Pickles, I knew I had to try it.

The recipe called for a mix of cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers, all sliced thinly and marinated in a sweet and tangy brine. It sounded like the perfect addition to our holiday spread, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

I had always been a lover of pickles, and I had tried many different varieties over the years. But this recipe was unlike any I had seen before. It had a unique blend of flavors that I knew would be a hit with my family.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, carefully measuring out each one and following the instructions to a tee. As the pickles sat in their brine, I could already smell the sweet and tangy aroma filling the kitchen.

The next day, I opened up the jar of Christmas Pickles and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the crunch of the cucumbers, the sweetness of the brine, and the kick of the bell peppers all combined to create a truly delicious pickle.

I served them up alongside our holiday meal, and they were a huge hit with my family. Everyone raved about how delicious they were, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in our holiday traditions.

As the years went by, I continued to make my Christmas Pickles for every holiday season. I would always think back to that cold winter day when I first discovered the recipe, and how it had quickly become one of my favorites.

I shared the recipe with friends and family, and soon it became a popular dish at our holiday gatherings. People would always ask me for the recipe, and I would happily pass it along, knowing that it would bring joy to their tables as well.

I always loved the tradition of cooking and sharing recipes, and I was grateful for all the knowledge that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. She had taught me so much about cooking and baking, and I knew that she would have loved the Christmas Pickles as much as I did.

As I grew older, I continued to experiment with new recipes and techniques, always looking for ways to expand my culinary skills. But no matter how many new dishes I tried, the Christmas Pickles remained a constant in my holiday repertoire.

Now, as I pass on the recipe to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will find the same joy and satisfaction in making these pickles as I have. I know that they will carry on the tradition of cooking and sharing recipes, just as I have done for so many years.

And so, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar smells and sounds of the holiday season, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes that have brought me joy and comfort over the years. And I know that the Christmas Pickles will always hold a special place in my heart, as a reminder of the love and tradition that has been passed down through generations.