Perfect Pickles Please

Is your summer garden overflowing with cucumbers? Or maybe you have a neighbor who's offering them up. This refrigerator pickle recipe is so easy, anyone can do it. These are crispy, fresh and tangy.

There's no special equipment needed. Pickling is one way to hang onto summer for a few more weeks. These are easy on the waistline, a tasty way to perk up a sandwich or wrap, and kids love to eat them. 

To pickle anything, here's what you need: 

1 cup white vinegar

1/4 cup sugar or stevia

2 tbs salt

1/3 cup water

1 onion, thinly sliced 

3 cups sliced cucumber

Mix vinegar, water,sugar,salt until all are dissolved. Add veggies and seasonings. Store in a covered plastic container in the refrigerator. You can also use clean glass canning jars which make them perfect for sharing. 

Wash out the jars with soap and water and stack the pickles and onion slices inside, then add the liquid, garlic and peppers and pop the lids on. 

All pickles must be kept in refrigerator until eaten. They're ready to enjoy in about two days, if you can wait that long. Don't discard the juice, just keep adding more sliced vegetables. Don't pickle anything in a metal bowl. 

For flavor options, add chunks of garlic cloves, jalepeno pepper chunks, mustard seed, dill, fresh herbs--depending on the flavor you want. Feel free to adjust the sugar. You don't need much. The above vinegar is enough for 2-3,  6 ounce jars.

I like to jar these and give them as gifts. Just remind people to keep them in the refrigerator. They won't last long!--Especially if Maddie is around!