Judys Pickled Squash Recipes

Steps:

• In a large non-aluminum pot, combine the squash, bell pepper, and onions. Cover with salt, and let stand for 2 hours to release the liquids. Stir occasionally.
• Just before the 2 hours are up, combine the sugar, vinegar, mustard seed, turmeric and celery seed in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Drain the salty liquid from the vegetables. Pour the spice brine over the vegetables, and let stand for 2 more hours.
• Bring to a boil once again, and simmer for about 5 minutes. Ladle into 1 pint sterile jars, filling with the liquid to within 1/4 inch of the top. Wipe rims with a clean towel, and run a thin spatula around the inside of the jar to remove air bubbles. Seal with lids and rings. Process for 10 minutes in a simmering water bath to seal completely.

Steps:

• Place the squash, onion, and bell peppers in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let drain, covered, for about 1 hour at room temperature. Do not rinse.
• If preserving the pickles, sterilize four 1-pint heat-tempered canning jars (see Know-how, page 291).
• Tightly pack the squash, onion, and peppers, alternating layers of vegetables, in the hot jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace to ensure a proper seal.
• Combine the sugar, vinegar, mustard seeds, and celery seeds in a large pot over high heat and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves, for about 1 minute. Pour the hot liquid over the vegetables, maintaining the 1/2-inch headspace.
• For refrigerator pickles, seal the jars tightly and refrigerate for 2 weeks to allow the flavors to develop before serving. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve, or for up to 1 month.
• For preserved pickles, process in a hot water bath for about 15 minutes to vacuum-seal (see Know-how, page 291). Let cool to room temperature, check the seal, and store in a cool, dark place until ready to serve, or for up to 6 months. Refrigerate after opening.

Steps:

• In a small saucepan combine cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, salt and garlic cloves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes.
• Meanwhile, divide spices and optional dill sprigs between 2 pint jars or use 1 quart jar. Pack sliced zucchini into the jars, leaving 1/2 inch head space below the rim of the jar.
• Use hot, sterilized jars. If using pint jars, divide garlic that is in the vinegar mixture between the 2 jars. Pour in the hot vinegar mixture, leaving 1/2 inch below the rim of the jar. Push the squash down into the liquid to cover completely. Seal the jars and leave to cool, then refrigerate for up to 2 months. For best results, don't open for 2 days.

Steps:

• Combine zucchini and onion in a large shallow bowl. Add salt; toss to combine. Add a few ice cubes and enough cold water to cover, stirring until salt dissolves. Let stand, at room temperature, until zucchini are slightly salty and softened, about 1 hour.
• Drain, removing any remaining ice cubes. Dry thoroughly between two towels, or spin, a few handfuls at a time, in a salad spinner (excess water will thin the flavor and spoil the pickle). Rinse and dry the bowl. Return the zucchini and onion to the dry bowl.
• In a saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, dry mustard, mustard seeds, and turmeric, over medium heat; simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from heat, and let stand until just warm to the touch.
• Pour the cooled brine over the zucchin-and-onion mixture, stirring to combine. Transfer to sterilized jars. Cover, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 days before serving. Will keep for about 3 months, refrigerated, in an airtight container.