Cheater Sweet Pickles And Peños Recipes

CHEATER SWEET PICKLES AND PEñOS

Steps:

• SLICE the pickles 1/4 inch thick.
• COMBINE the pickles with all the remaining ingredients in a large nonaluminum (stainless steel, glass, or ceramic) mixing bowl.
• COVER the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days.
• PACK the pickles in clean half-pint decorative jars. Seal the jars and keep refrigerated. The pickles will keep in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 months.

CHEATER'S PICKLES

Steps:

• Cut off the ends of the cucumbers and use the tines of a fork to draw long stripes down their lengths. Slice the cucumbers like bread-and-butter pickles, about 1/8-inch thick, and pile them into a large shallow bowl. Sprinkle the sugar over the cucumbers and stir in well. Scatter the ice cubes over the slices and cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap. Chill in the freezer for 1/2 hour.
• Drain the cucumbers in a colander and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Put the cucumbers back in the bowl, sprinkle the vinegar over them evenly, and stir well. Add the salt and pepper, if using, and stir well to combine. Toss in the herbs and the onions, if using. Refrigerate until ready to serve. They will still be good the next day, though not quite as crisp.

CHEATER* PICKLES

Steps:

• Slice cucumbers.
• Place slices into jar of commercially prepared pickle brine, filling the jar just until all cucumbers are covered by the liquid.
• Replace lid and refrigerate.
• Wait at least 4 hours to serve. (These are actually better after 3 or 4 days).
• Keeps in refrigerator up to 3 weeks.