PICK A PECK OF PICKLED VEGGIES

Recently we bought a jar of pickled veggies. We bought it on a whim. We loved it! It reminded us of our ill spent childhood when our bubby used to pickle everything, including watermelon rinds.

We found this recipe, tried it and loved the results. It is from About.com American Foods.

This colorful and crisp pickled vegetables recipe is so easy to make, and requires no complicated canning procedure. A hot sweet and sour brine is used to marinate the vegetables, and in just a couple days your quick and easy pickled vegetables are ready to enjoy!

Makes 12 Portions of Quick and Easy Pickled Vegetables
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:

1/2 pound green string beans, ends trimmed
1/2 pound yellow wax beans, ends trimmed
2 large carrots, peeled, cut into 4-inch long by 1/2-inch thick sticks
2 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch thick sticks
1 head cauliflower, cut into 2-inch florets
6 garlic cloves, peeled, left whole
3 1/2 cups cider vinegar
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
4 cups water
1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
4 cups water

Preparation:
Add all the trimmed vegetables, except the garlic, into a large, stainless steel mixing bowl or stockpot (must be made from a non-reactive metal). Combine all the rest of the ingredients in a large saucepan (non-reactive), and bring to a rolling boil over med-high heat.

Carefully pour the boiling liquid over the vegetables, and make sure all the ingredients are submerged in the brine by using some large plates or glass platters to hold them under the liquid.

When the vegetables have cooled completely to room temperature, wrap tightly plastic wrap (leave the plates on the container, so the vegetables remain under the pickling liquid. After refrigerating for at least 2 days, the pickled vegetables can be taken out of the liquid and served. They will keep for about 5 days submerged.