Pickled Zucchini -Italian style

The husband got called out to work tonight, so I figured what better way to spend the evening than to pickle some Zucchini? First I want to try them and second to give him a break from any of the canning since I plan to tackle tomatoes and applesauce soon...


Well I will admit he got home right as I was preparing to pack the jars and put them into the water bath, he offered straight away to help but I "wasn't ready  quite yet". Sneaky me got them into the water bath and when he came in to check on me (apparently I had been too quiet) he was shocked to see them in already *smirk*

Without further ado here is the recipe and method. I am counting on my followers to be somewhat familiar with canning so forgive me for some steps being less defined than what is preferable...

Ingredients:

4 lbs summer squash and or Zucchini

1 large onion chopped

1/2 cup pickling salt

6 garlic cloves halved

4 sups distilled white vinegar

1/2 cup sugar

12 tbs dried oregano

1 tsp black peppercorns

1 tsp dried rosemary

1 tsp dried thyme

1 bay leaf crumbled

Pint jars (7)

Rinse squash and trim the ends. Cut into wedges 1 inch shorter that the top of the jar.

Toss the squash, onion and salt in a large bowl and then cover with cold water. Allow to sit for 2 hours then rinse, thoroughly

While squash mixture is "Curing" clean and sterilize 7 jars.

Bring in a medium non reactive saucepan vinegar, sugar and seasonings to a boil.

Pack squash into 7 clean and hot pint sized jars and split garlic. Ladle brine over the squash and cover by 1/2" inch leaving 1/2 inch of head space from the top of the liquid to the lid.

Using the "water bath method" process jars for 30 minutes (timer starts when water is boiling). Allow to set in the canner with the heat and lid off for an additional 5 minutes. Transfer to a towel and let stand overnight. Check seals and store in a cool dark place for up to one year.

Check back in a few months for our review.

 

This recipe was taken from " Put 'em up" by Sherri Brooks Vinton