Sweet Bread-and-Butter Pickles

Preparation

1. Step 1

   With a knife or crinkle cutter, cut the cucumbers crosswise into 1/4-inch slices. You should have about 4 cups. Line a colander with two or three paper towels. Put the cucumbers and onion in the colander, cover with additional paper towels, and set a plate on top to slightly weigh the cucumber mixture down (this will help remove any excess moisture). Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes.

   Step 2

   In a large saucepan, bring the remaining ingredients to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the cucumbers and onion. Cook for 3 minutes, or until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and let cool for 15 minutes. Transfer to an airtight container large enough to hold the cucumber mixture and liquid (a clean large pickle jar works well) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. The pickles will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

2. Sweet Pickle Relish

   Step 3

   Finely chop the cucumbers and onion, and add 1 finely chopped medium green or red bell pepper. Bring all the ingredients to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the relish is thickened, stirring occasionally. Store as directed on page 274.

3. Cook’s Tip on Pink Peppercorns

   Step 4

   These dried berries from the Baies rose plant are not true peppercorns, but are peppery in taste and beautiful in color. Find them in gourmet shops or upscale grocery stores.

4. Nutrition information

   Step 5

   (Per serving)

   Step 6

   Calories: 33

   Step 7

   Total fat: 0.0g

   Step 8

   Saturated: 0.0g

   Step 9

   Trans: 0.0g

   Step 10

   Polyunsaturated: 0.0g

   Step 11

   Monounsaturated: 0.0g

   Step 12

   Cholesterol: 0mg

   Step 13

   Sodium: 1mg

   Step 14

   Carbohydrates: 8g

   Step 15

   Fiber: 1g

   Step 16

   Sugars: 7g

   Step 17

   Protein: 0g

   Step 18

   Calcium: 10mg

   Step 19

   Potassium: 62mg

5. Dietary Exchanges

   Step 20

   1/2 other carbohydrate

6. Nutrition information: (Sweet Pickle Relish)

   Step 21

   (Per serving)

   Step 22

   Calories: 35

   Step 23

   Total fat: 0.0g

   Step 24

   Saturated: 0.0g

   Step 25

   Trans: 0.0g

   Step 26

   Polyunsaturated: 0.0g

   Step 27

   Monounsaturated: 0.0g

   Step 28

   Cholesterol: 0.0mg

   Step 29

   Sodium: 2mg

   Step 30

   Carbohydrates: 8g

   Step 31

   Fiber: 1g

   Step 32

   Sugars: 7g

   Step 33

   Protein: 0g

   Step 34

   Calcium: 11mg

   Step 35

   Potassium: 75mg

7. Dietary Exchanges

   Step 36

   1/2 other carbohydrate