Refrigerator Pickles

Now is the perfect time for crisp, crunchy baby cukes and large, lovely dill plants.

It was a snap to put this together, providing a quick and easy alternative to canning the pickles.

1 c. water
1 c. distilled white vinegar
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 t. natural salt
1 lb pickling or baby cucumbers, trim ends and quarter lengthwise
8 cloves garlic, peeled
2 t. black pepercorns
2 seed heads fresh dill, with some of the stalk

Combine the water, vinegar and sugar and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve. Let cool to room temperature.

Pack the cucumber spears in the jars. Divide the garlic and peppercorns between the jars. Stuff a large dill seed head into the center of each jar. Pour the cooled liquid over the mixture, making sure everything is completely covered with liquid. Seal the jars and refrigerate for 24 hours before using. Keep refrigerated; flavors will continue to develop overtime.

Makes 2 pint jars.

NOTES:
- For fun, I cut some cucumbers in rings and some in spears, making 1 jar of each kind.
- This depends on having fresh, crisp cucumbers for best results.

Best Ever Zucchini Bread

This amazing, tried and true recipe always gets compliments. I've tested many zucchini recipes in my day, but none are as moist and delicious as this. The cinnamon adds a very nice flavor to the bread. This recipe is excellent for freez and gifting!!



3 eggs
1 c. cooking oil
2 c. white sugar
2 c. peeled shredded zucchini
3 t. vanilla
3 c. flour
1 t. salt
1 t. soda
3 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. baking powder

Beat eggs till foamy. Add oil, sugar, zucchini and vanilla. Mix lightly but well. Add flour, salt, soda, cinnamon, and baking powder. Mix together and divide batter into 2 greased loaf pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.

Notes:

- It also works well with yellow squash instead of zucchini.
- Drain your zucchini some before mixing in, but don't worry about it too much.
- I've subsituted with Splenda for Baking and applesauce instead of all or half the oil and been happy with the results.