🍿 Recipe Collection: Snacks & Appetizers

Refrigerator Pickles

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients:

6-7 pickling cucumbers
2 cups water
1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 Tbsp kosher salt
1/2-1 tsp granulated sugar
fresh dill
4-6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed/roughly chopped
10 whole black peppercorns
1/2 tsp whole yellow mustard seeds
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
pinch celery seed

Directions:

Prepare:

Slice 6-7 pickling cucumbers into slices about 1/4" thick, or into spears. Gather glass jars and lids. Set aside.

Make the brine:

In a saucepan, add 2 cups water, 1 cup white vinegar, 1 Tbsp kosher salt, and 1/2-1 tsp granulated sugar (if using), and heat, stirring occasionally, over MED HIGH heat until sugar and salt have dissolved. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

Assemble jars:

While brine is cooling, add cucumbers to jars. Make sure to leave enough room for the brine and other ingredients.

Add fresh dill, 4-6 cloves garlic, 1/2 tsp whole yellow mustard seeds, 10 whole black peppercorns, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and pinch celery seed.

Pour in enough brine to cover the cucumbers, making sure to leave a 1/2" or so at the top. Seal jars to be airtight.

Chill:

Refrigerate for at least 5 days. Pickles will last 4-6 weeks after those 5 days, but will lose some of their crispness towards the end of their “shelf” life.

Notes:

Recipe makes enough for 2 pint-size jars, or one quart-size jar. Can easily be doubled, tripled, etc for larger batches.

The amount of dill is left unspecified, as this will vary from person to person.

Whole pickles or half pickles can be made, but I would prick the skin of the cucumber a few times with a fork to allow the brine to penetrate the skin.

The best pickles are made with the freshest ingredients, especially the cucumbers. The cucumber skin should be firm, with no deep blemishes. Try to find consistently sized cucumbers, so your pickles will be uniform in size.

Variations of this recipe:

Sweet – these are definitely not sweet pickles, but if you’d like them more on the sweet side, feel free to increase the sugar amount. I’ve not experimented to come up with the perfect amount, but I’d suggest to try 1/2 cup and go from there.

Spicy – I made these a mild heat level to accommodate most palates, but if you want more of a kick, feel free to add as much red pepper flakes as you want. You could also add some sliced jalapenos, or Thai chiles for some extra heat.

Cucumbers – I found the cucumbers that had the best crunch were the pickling cucumbers. They may also be labeled as Kirby, or salad cucumbers. They’re shorter than regular cucumbers, with a bumpy and sometimes lighter skin. If you can’t find them, English cucumbers will work as well. They may also be labeled as hothouse or seedless cucumbers.

Other veggies – I haven’t specifically tested this brine with other veggies, but I think it would work well with green beans, carrots, cauliflower, etc. Whatever you normally like to pickle.

How is there no canning in this recipe?

These are refrigerator pickles, so they stay nice and crisp/fresh just in the refrigerator. However if you wanted to experiment with canning this recipe, you’re certainly welcome too. I just don’t have the canning expertise to advise you.

Making pickles ahead of time:

Pickles are a natural make-ahead recipe, as the recipes are designed to be made a little while before you eat them. This recipe was developed so the pickles have a week to sit in the refrigerator.

As tempting as it may be to break the seal and go to town before then, they really taste best when left to sit.

Storage:

Refrigerator pickles are good for 4-6 weeks, when kept refrigerated and the lids are sealed after each use.

I like to take a permanent marker and write down the date I made the pickles on the lid, so I’ll know when it’s been 4-6 weeks. Honestly, our pickles never last that long before we devour them!

Recipe courtesy of The Chunky Chef.com

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I’m trying to grow some pickling cukes in the garden this year. Fingers crossed, if all goes well I’ll have plenty for homemade pickles! :face_savoring_food: :fork_and_knife_with_plate:

Thanks for the recipe!

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I have the recipe for a pickled salad with cukes, so be on the lookout!

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Old-Fashioned Sweet Refrigerator Pickles

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 125 servings

Ingredients:

3 cups apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
2 cups water
2.5 cups sugar
1/2 tsp celery seed
1 tsp dried dill weed
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tbsp pickling salt
1/2 tsp pickle crisp (optional)
8 medium-sized pickling cucumbers
1 small white onion
4 cloves garlic

Directions:

Mix all ingredients except cucumber, onion, and garlic in a medium-sized saucepan and heat it until the sugar is dissolved.

Slice cucumbers into 1/4 inch slices. Slice onion into thin strips. Peel garlic.

Add sliced cucumbers, onions, and garlic cloves to 1/2 gallon jar (or 2 quart-sized jars). You may have to press down to make them fit. They will shrink some as they pickle, so don’t be afraid to cram them into the jar.

Pour liquid over cucumbers (depending on how full you pack your jars, you may end up with extra brine).

Screw on the lid and let sit 12-24 hours in a cool, dry place. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Notes:

It will take 3-5 days before the flavor of the pickles is in effect, but you may sample them at any time.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Facts:

Calories: 20kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 57mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

Recipe courtesy of Graceful Little Honey Bee.com

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Small Batch Refrigerator Dill Pickles

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 1 pint

Ingredients:

1 cup water
½ cup white vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
½ lb cucumbers
3 garlic cloves
4-5 dill sprigs

Directions:

Combine 1 cup water, ½ cup white vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a small pot. Set over high heat and bring to a boil. As soon as it comes to a boil, turn off the heat and let cool completely.

While the vinegar mixture is cooling, cut ½ lb cucumbers however you’d like. I generally do a mix of thicker, ¼-inch coins for snacking and thinner coins to put on sandwiches. You can also do spears or pickle them whole!

Thinly slice 3 garlic cloves, and combine with cucumbers and 4-5 sprigs of dill into a mason jar (preferably) or a plastic container. Pour cooled vinegar mixture over everything. If everything is not submerged, add more water.

Keep the jar in the fridge and let pickle for at least 24 hours before eating. They’ll start tasting the best after 2-3 days, and will last up to 6 months in the fridge.

Notes:

These dill pickles will be good after 24 hours, but will start tasting the best after 2-3 days.

As you can imagine, pickling cucumbers are the best for this refrigerator pickle recipe and will produce the best crisp and crunchy end product. If you can’t find them, feel free to use any cucumber you like. Other varieties might be a little mushier, but still delicious!

This recipe is for the most simple version of a garlic dill pickle. Feel free to add more flavorings like black peppercorns, other herbs, peppers, and more. This recipe is just asking to be experimented with!

You can use the brine over and over again, so once you are done with the first batch, just add more fresh cucumbers, and you’ll have a new batch of dill pickles in a few days. For safety, use clean utensils every time you take pickles out of the jar to keep the brine as bacteria-free as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long do refrigerator dill pickles last?
Since this is a small batch recipe, you’ll likely use these pickles up in a week or two, but they’ll last in the fridge for up to 2 months. After 1 month, they might start to lose some of their crispness, but will still be delicious.

Do you need to use glass jars for refrigerator dill pickles?
Since you are not canning these pickles, you don’t have to use a glass jar. I prefer mason jars, but have also done this in a plastic deli container.

What is the best vinegar to water ratio for refrigerator pickles?
I like a 1:2 ratio of vinegar to water, but you’ll see recipes vary anywhere from 1:1 to 1:4 - it all depends on how vinegary you like your pickles. This recipe produces pickles that taste great within 24 hours, but don’t get TOO vinegary as time goes on.

Can you reuse pickling brine?
YES! One of the best things about refrigerator dill pickles is that the brine can be used over and over again. Just add more cucumbers, or other vegetables you want to pickle, and let them sit for a couple of days. If you plan on doing this, try to use clean utensils every time you dip into the jar to avoid any unnecessary bacteria getting in.

Recipe courtesy of One Girl One Kitchen.com

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Rainbow Popcorn

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 7 servings

Ingredients:

12 cups popped popcorn, divided
2 cups white granulated sugar, divided
Food coloring (I used red, yellow, orange, green, blue, and purple)
12 tbsp almond milk, divided

Directions:

Set aside 2 cups of popcorn.

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan or skillet, whisk together ⅓ cup sugar, 2 Tablespoons almond milk, and several drops of food coloring to make a color you like. Gel food coloring will be much more pigmented than a water-based food coloring. I used 3-4 drops of gel food coloring.

Heat the sugar and milk over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 2 ½ minutes, until the sugar is melted. Try to keep the thickness of the liquid even, so it all bubbles at the same time. Do not burn.

Add in 2 cups of popcorn to the melted sugar mixture and stir quickly to coat all the popcorn. The sugar will harden quickly once off the heat, so make sure to work fast.

Pour the colored popcorn onto a separate plate or a baking sheet to dry. Don’t worry too much if it clumps up; you can break the pieces apart later once it dries.

Put the spatula in the pan you just used and fill it with hot water to soak.

While the pan is soaking, set aside the next 2 cups of popcorn and prepare the next sugar, milk, and food coloring set.

Clean the pan and repeat steps 1-5 for the remaining colors of popcorn, until you have used all of your popcorn. Break up any clumped popcorn and enjoy!

Notes:

You can use store-bought microwave popcorn if you don’t have an air-popper. Most bags of microwave popcorn make about 12 cups of popped popcorn.​

Be aware that if you use a flavored popcorn, it will change the flavor of your final product. I used a salted and lightly buttered popcorn for mine. I think that the salt helps balance out some of the sweetness, so I would definitely recommend it

If you make the yellow, orange, and red popcorn in that order, you don’t have to wash the pan in between those sets of colors.

Customize Your Colors: This recipe is the perfect treat for any celebration. It’s so easy to customize the colors for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, the Fourth of July, or Christmas.

Fun Flavors: Feel free to use any or all of your favorite flavorings for this Rainbow Popcorn! A few extracts that I love are peppermint or mint, maple, vanilla, almond, coconut, and rum. You can also use butter flavoring or something more exciting like cotton candy flavoring.

Storage:

To Store: Store your Rainbow Popcorn in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks.

To Freeze: This popcorn does not store well in the freezer.

FAQ’s:

How should I store my Rainbow Popcorn?
You can store Rainbow Popcorn in a mason jar with a band and lid or in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep it in a cool, dry place for up to 2 or 3 weeks. Do not refrigerate it because it will dry out. If it softens, try heating it in the oven at 200 degrees for 10 minutes and let it crisp up again. This popcorn does not store well in the freezer.

How can I make even crunchier Rainbow Popcorn?
The sugar coating on the popcorn creates a sweet and crunchy exterior. Feel free to leave it at that, or make it even crunchier with a little time in the oven.
To do so, preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. When all the popcorn has been colored, place the popcorn evenly on the baking sheet and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes to dry out and harden up.

Can I add extra flavor to my Rainbow Popcorn?
Even though this recipe will leave you with a sweet and crunchy popcorn, you can add different flavor extracts to the melted sugar mixture right before mixing it into the popcorn for a more unique flavor.
You can use any and all of your favorite flavorings for this Rainbow Popcorn!
A few extracts that I like to use are peppermint or mint, maple, vanilla, almond, coconut, and rum. You can also use butter flavoring or something more exciting like cotton candy flavoring. Feel free to change up the colors and flavors of this popcorn to use for any occasion!

What is the best type of sugar to use in this recipe?
You can use either granulated sugar or superfine sugar in this recipe. I have made this popcorn with both types of sugar.
The granulated sugar makes for a slightly crunchier and more thickly coated finished product. The superfine sugar still tastes great, but gives the popcorn a thinner, more even coating.

Nutritional Facts:

Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 36mg | Potassium: 63mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 57g | Vitamin A: 37IU | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

Recipe courtesy of Princess Pinky Girl.com

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Sun Dried Tomatoes

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

Tomatoes:

2 pounds meaty tomatoes (I use Roma and Hybrid Juliet Tomatoes)
1 to 1 1/2 tbsp kosher salt or sea salt

Marinade:

1/2 tsp dry oregano
1/2 tsp dry basil
3 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
1 tsp sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I like to use my old baking sheets for roasting and drying.

Tomatoes:

Wash tomatoes (2lb, about 1kg) in water.

If using Roma Tomatoes (meaty tomatoes), cut each tomato in half and then cut 3 wedges from each half. For smaller tomatoes, you can just quarter, lengthwise.

If using Hybrid Juliet Tomatoes (small plum tomatoes), cut them in half.

Set tomatoes in a colander over the sink or another bowl. Season tomatoes with kosher salt (1 to 1 1/2 tbsp) and let them drain for 20 minutes.

Marinade:

In a small bowl, combine olive oil/avocado oil (3tbsp), dry basil (1/2tsp), dry oregano (1/2tsp), sugar (1tsp). Whisk to combine.

Add drained tomatoes into a bowl and pour in the marinade. Toss to coat all the tomatoes with marinade. Then transfer tomatoes onto a baking sheet and lay them down on the sheet, skin part down. They need to be in one layer.

Baking / Oven Drying Method:

If using 2 baking sheets. Place both sheets into the preheated oven at 350F. I had my oven racks in about 3/4 high and 1/4 low position.

Increase oven temperature to 400F *(see recipe notes)

Once your oven reaches 400F, leave the tomatoes in for 15 minutes and then turn the oven off. Don’t open the doors for at least 3-4 hours.

After 4 hours, open the oven and take the sheet out. Remove those that are done and leave those that need a bit more drying on a baking sheet. I find that tomatoes close to the rim of the baking sheet are dried the fastest.

Continue drying tomatoes. Turn the oven to 350F.

Once the oven is heated up to 350F, place a baking sheet with remaining tomatoes into the oven.

Increase oven temperature to 395F. Once your oven reaches this temperature, leave the tomatoes in for 5 minutes and then turn off the oven. Don’t open the oven door. Leave the tomatoes in there for 2-3 hours. After this time, the tomatoes should be dry.

Notes:

How to store homemade oven-dried tomatoes?

Store dried tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also layer tomatoes in a jar with olive oil.

Can I freeze Dried Tomatoes?
You can freeze tomatoes in an airtight container for up to a year.

*Based on reviews from a few people, I adjusted the oven temperature from 420F to 400F to avoid tomatoes from burning. Every oven is different; please pay attention. If you see tomatoes are becoming dark very quickly, reduce the temperature.

Recipe courtesy of Hanielas.com

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Bacon Deviled Eggs

Active Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

2 (about 3 oz. total) thick-cut applewood smoked bacon slices, finely chopped
6 large eggs
Ice
2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
1 tsp. yellow mustard
1/8 tsp. black pepper
3/8 tsp. kosher salt, divided

Directions:

Boil eggs:

Fill a large pot with water, and bring to a boil over high. Carefully lower eggs into boiling water; cook, undisturbed, for 11 minutes, 30 seconds.

Make ice bath:

Meanwhile, fill a large bowl halfway with ice, and add enough water to cover ice; set ice bath aside.

Move eggs to ice bath:

Using a spider or slotted spoon, immediately transfer cooked eggs from boiling water to ice bath. Let stand until completely cooled, at least 5 minutes or up to 30 minutes.

Cook bacon:

Cook bacon in a medium-size nonstick skillet over medium, stirring occasionally, until fat has rendered and bacon is crispy, about 7 minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate, reserving drippings in skillet. Set aside.

Remove egg shells:

Working with 1 egg at a time, firmly tap eggs on countertop or a flat work surface until cracks form all over the shell. Peel eggs under cold water.

Make egg yolk mixture:

Cut eggs in half lengthwise, and carefully remove yolks. Using a fork, mash together yolks and mayonnaise in a medium bowl.

Add mustard, pepper, half of the cooked bacon, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Stir well to combine.

Fry egg white halves:

Heat reserved drippings in skillet over medium. Place 6 egg white halves, cut side down, in skillet; cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides, 1 to 2 minutes per side.

Transfer to a plate. Repeat process with remaining egg whites.

Fill egg whites with yolk mixture:

Sprinkle cooked egg whites evenly with remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt. Spoon yolk mixture evenly (about 1 tablespoon each) into egg whites.

Top evenly with remaining cooked bacon. Serve immediately, or store, covered, in refrigerator up to 1 day.

Notes:

Tips for the Best Bacon Deviled Eggs.

For the best bacon deviled eggs, keep these tips in mind:

Cooking the eggs: Overcooked eggs may contain a yolk with a greenish tint. Boil for 11 minutes, 30 seconds for the perfect texture, immediately transferring to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Slicing the eggs: Use a sharp knife for the cleanest cuts.

Taste the filling: Season the filling as desired, keeping in mind that the bacon drippings and topping will add additional saltiness.

Pipe the filling: A piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off can make the filling process easier.

Keep deviled eggs chilled: Keep the eggs cold until ready to serve.

Variations for Bacon Deviled Eggs:

A sprinkle of paprika is the traditional topping for deviled eggs, and it would add a nice pop of color here. You can also sprinkle with cayenne for a spicy kick, or chopped chives for brightness. Whether you go with this recipe as-is, or add your own touches, these bacon-y deviled eggs are always a crowd-pleaser.

FAQ’s:

Can I Make Bacon Deviled Eggs Ahead?

There’s no need to throw this dish together at the last minute, especially when you have other dishes to prepare. To make these deviled eggs in advance, cook the eggs and prepare the filling up to two days ahead (skipping the bacon). Refrigerate the egg whites and filling separately. Cook the bacon, fry the egg whites, and assemble the deviled eggs right before serving for the freshest presentation.

Why are my deviled eggs not creamy?

An ideal ratio of egg yolks to mayonnaise should yield creamy results. If you find your yolks are just not mashing up properly, consider grating or processing the yolks in a food processor for the smoothest filling.

Is it better to make deviled eggs the day before or day of?

Prepare deviled eggs no more than two days ahead, refrigerating the egg whites and yolk filling separately. Assemble fresh before serving.

Should deviled eggs be served cold or at room temperature?

Deviled eggs should be served chilled, and left out at room temperature for no more than two hours (one hour if you’re serving them outdoors on a hot summer day).

Recipe courtesy of Southern Living.com

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Best Deviled Eggs Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chilling: 12 hours
Total Time: 12 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 16 deviled eggs

Ingredients:

8 eggs
⅓ cup mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon lemon juice
⅛ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Paprika or fresh dill for garnishing

Directions:

Hard Boil Eggs:

Place eggs in a saucepan in a single layer.

Fill with cold water until it covers the egg by at least 1”.

Bring water to a boil, then boil for 1 minute.

After one minute, turn off the heat and let the eggs sit covered on the warm burner for 10 minutes.

During this time, prepare an ice water bath.

After 10 minutes, transfer the eggs to the ice water bath. Chill until cooled completely either in the ice bath or in the refrigerator (I often store them overnight in an airtight container).

Make the Deviled Eggs:

Once chilled, carefully remove the shells from the hard-boiled eggs and discard them.

Cut each boiled egg in half lengthwise.

Carefully remove the yolks and put them in a medium bowl, and arrange the egg white halves on a platter. Mash the yolks with a fork or potato masher until fine crumbs are formed.

Add the mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, sea salt, and pepper to the yolks, stir to combine, then taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Spoon about ½ to 1 tablespoon of the yolk mixture into the well of each hard-boiled egg half. Garnish with a dusting of paprika or a sprinkle of fresh minced dill. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes:

Ingredient Substitutions:

Dijon Mustard. Choose your favorite mustard variety; you can use yellow or honey mustard in place of Dijon, if desired.

Lemon juice. Freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice both work well. You can also substitute pickle juice for lemon juice!

Paprika/dill. These ingredients are garnishes and are optional, but recommended.

Deviled Eggs Recipe FAQs:

Should you make deviled eggs the night before or the day of?

I always hard-boil the eggs the day before I make deviled eggs to ensure they are sufficiently chilled. I prefer to assemble them the day I plan on serving them, but you can make them the night before and store them in the refrigerator.

How long should eggs boil for deviled eggs?

My favorite method for boiling eggs that peel easily for deviled eggs is to boil them for one minute, then let them sit in the warm water for 10 minutes. See the recipe for complete instructions.

Should deviled eggs be served cold?

Yes, always serve deviled eggs chilled.

How far ahead can I prepare deviled eggs?

You can prepare them up to 1 day in advance.

How do you peel a hard-boiled egg without the shell sticking?

Follow the method provided in this recipe to make boiled eggs whose shells peel off easily. You can also add 1 tsp of vinegar to the water while boiling.

How do you peel a hard-boiled egg without the shell sticking?

Gently tap the egg on a hard surface to release the shell from the white before peeling.

Store:

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this recipe.

Nutritional Facts:

Serving: 1deviled egg (half) | Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.3g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 89mg | Potassium: 33mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 123IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Recipe courtesy of Joy Food Sunshine.com

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Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

For the Fruit Salsa:

1 lb. fresh strawberries
1 pint fresh blueberries
½ pint fresh raspberries
2 apples
½ cup lemon juice
2 Tablespoons honey
Âź tsp vanilla

For the Cinnamon Chips:

6 flour tortillas
½ cup butter
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

To make the salsa:

Dice the strawberries and place in a medium-sized bowl. Cut the blueberries and raspberries into halves or quarters, depending on their size, and add them to the bowl. Peel and finely dice the apples and add them to the bowl.

In a small bowl, stir to combine the lemon juice, honey, and vanilla. Pour over the fruit and stir gently to coat.

Cover and chill for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator before serving.

To make the chips:

Preheat the oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the tortillas into 8 equal triangles. Lay triangles out in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Brush tortillas with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Flip over and repeat on the other side.

Bake for 7-8 minutes or until crisp. Move to a wire rack to cool. Repeat with additional batches (you can reuse the same sheet of parchment paper).

Store cooled chips in an airtight container if not serving immediately.

Notes:

For the best color and presentation serve the fruit salsa shortly after being prepared. As it sits the apples will take on a pink tint from the berries. Note: this does not affect the flavor just the color.

However, you can make the cinnamon chips up to 3 days ahead of time and store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

A Good Chopper makes preparing this recipe quick and easy.

Looking for a shortcut? You can use Store-Bought Cinnamon Pita Chips instead of making your own.

Make your cinnamon chips up to 3 days ahead of time and store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

For the best color and presentation, serve your apple berry salsa shortly after being prepared. As it sits, the apples will take on a pink tint from the berries. Note: this does not affect the flavor, just the color.

Spoon fresh fruit salsa over ice cream or angel food cake as an extra sweet treat.

Recipe courtesy of Crayons and Cravings.com

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Note from Amethyst: I know that Kool Aid Pickles are weird, but I figured they’d be an easy Fair Food to make. But just in case you want something weird, I have links for Deep Fried Oreos, Deep Fried Butter, Deep Fried Marshmallows, and, of course, Deep Fried Twinkies. Enjoy!

Kool Aid Pickles

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Fermenting Time: 7 days
Total Time: 7 days 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

24 oz. Jar of Dill Pickle Spears
2/3 c. Sugar
1 packet Kool-Aid Mix, pick any flavor you want!

Directions:

Empty ⅓ c. of pickle juice from the jar of pickles.

Pour sugar straight into the pickle jar. Add a Kool-Aid packet.

Close the lid on the pickle jar and shake vigorously to dissolve the sugar and Kool-Aid.

Refrigerate for 7 days, shaking once per day to achieve full flavor of the Kool-Aid pickles.

Notes:

Koolickles aka Tropickles aka Pickoolas

What Are Kool-Aid Pickles?

Simply put, Kool-Aid Pickles combine the traditional pickle brine with Kool-Aid and sugar. Folks in the South, specifically the Mississippi Delta region, take credit for this sweet yet savory condiment.

Whether they’re called Koolickles, Tropickles, or Pickoolas, they’re now gaining popularity all over the country. Turns out, we all LOVED them, even our kids! Something about the tart flavor and the bright color of the pickles makes this one fun snack to keep in the refrigerator.

What Do They Taste Like?

Quite simply, these pickles taste just like the flavor of Kool-Aid you use, with a tangy pickle aftertaste. Kind of like sour pickle candy. So you could enjoy lime pickles, cherry red pickles, tropical punch pickles- you get the idea. Love grape Kool-Aid? Maybe grape-flavored pickles will be your new favorite treat! If people in the Mississippi Delta have been making these for years, it couldn’t hurt to give them a try!

These pickles are a fun and tangy snack to munch on straight from the jar, or serve them alongside grilled burgers and potato salad.

Popular Flavors:

Have a favorite Kool-Aid flavor? Any flavor is like a brand new experience when mixed in pickle brine! Try some of your favorites, and pucker up for a tangy treat!

Watermelon
Lemonade
Orange
Grape
Strawberry
Cherry
Tropical Punch
Blue Raspberry
Pineapple
Fruit punch

How Long Does it Take?

Once you add all the ingredients, store in the refrigerator for about a week before serving, for maximum flavor. The flavors will marinate in the pickles and turn the spears a bright color. You can sneak a taste on day three or so, but the longer they sit, the more intense the flavors will become.

How Long Do They Last?

These Kool-Aid pickles will stay nice and crisp in the refrigerator as long as a normal jar of pickles would. Keep the lid tightly closed, and then when you’re ready to eat, give the jar a good shake and enjoy.

Nutritional Facts:

Calories: 173kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 1375mg, Potassium: 192mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 42g, Vitamin A: 311IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 92mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Recipe courtesy of Favorite Family Recipes.com

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Oven-Fried Pickles

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 20 min
Yield: 32 pieces

Ingredients:

32 dill pickle slices
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon snipped fresh dill

Directions:

Preheat oven to 500°. Let pickle slices stand on a paper towel until liquid is almost completely absorbed, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a shallow bowl, combine flour and salt. In another shallow bowl, whisk eggs, pickle juice, cayenne, and garlic powder. Combine panko and dill in a third shallow bowl.

Dip pickles into flour mixture to coat both sides; shake off excess. Dip into egg mixture, then into crumb mixture, patting to help coating adhere. Transfer to a greased wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet.

Bake until golden brown and crispy, 20-25 minutes.

Notes:

Oven-Fried Pickle Variations:

Make them spicy: Instead of dill slices, opt for hot pickle chips.

Swap the slices for spears: This is a personal preference, but if you love pickle spears, why not give oven-fried spears a chance? Although they aren’t as poppable as slices and require a few more bites, you can make them the same way.

Make them Italian: Trade the panko crumbs for Italian-style breadcrumbs.

How to Store Oven-Fried Pickles:

These briny poppers really are best straight out of the oven, when they’re warm and crispy, but if you happen to make a big batch and have a lot left over, transfer the remaining pickles to sealed airtight containers and place them in the refrigerator.

What’s the best way to reheat oven-fried pickles?

Reheat them the same way you baked them: in the oven. Place a few on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet, spritz with olive oil or cooking spray, and let them crisp up under the low broiler for a minute or two.

How long do oven-fried pickles last?

If stored properly, they will stay fresh in the fridge for three to four days. They will need to be reheated in the oven to restore their crunch.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs?

You bet! Don’t have panko on hand? Regular breadcrumbs will work just fine. However, if you want these oven-fried pickles to be gluten-free, you will need gluten-free breadcrumbs.

How do I keep the pickles from burning?

To avoid burning the pickles, watch your oven and temperature. A few reviewers noted their pickles did better at 400º than at 500°. Every oven is different, so start lower if you have a hot oven and check them after 10 minutes.

What are good sauces for oven-fried pickles?

When it comes to sauces and dips for oven-fried pickles, you can never go wrong with Ranch. Or a Cajun Remoulade.

Nutritional Facts:

1 pickle slice: 16 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home.com

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Kettle Corn

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
½ cup popcorn kernels (100g)
Âź cup granulated sugar (50g)
ž teaspoon salt, divided

Directions:

Have a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a large bowl set aside and ready.

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add a few test kernels to the oil and cover with the lid.

When they start to pop, add the popcorn kernels, sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt, and stir together just until evenly combined. Cover with the lid.

Quickly stir every 30 seconds until the kernels start to pop. Once popping, constantly shake the pot, removing it from the heat every few seconds and then returning to the heat for a few seconds. (This will help keep the sugar from burning.) Continue shaking on and off the heat until the popping mostly stops, about 3 minutes.

Immediately pour out onto the baking sheet or into the bowl and sprinkle with the remaining Âź teaspoon salt. Let cool for a minute, then toss. Taste and sprinkle with additional salt if desired. Pick out any unpopped kernels that you can find. Serve warm, or let cool completely and store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.

Notes:

Unlike plain popcorn, any unpopped kernels in kettle corn may not fall to the bottom and instead stick to other popped kernels. Be on the lookout for any as you eat it or if serving the popcorn to children.

You can season your popcorn with cinnamon or a baking spice blend by sprinkling it over the hot popped corn and tossing it to combine. Or, for a spicy twist, add an ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the pot with the sugar and salt.

Swap the white sugar for Brown Sugar for a more caramelized flavor.

Make sure you use a large enough pot to hold all the popcorn once popped and space for the popcorn to move around when you shake it. You also want a pot that’s not too heavy, so you can easily shake the pot.

Keep in mind that this recipe moves fast. Popcorn pops quickly, and you must keep it moving to prevent the sugar from burning.

The oil needs to be hot before you add the rest of the popcorn kernels to the pot. If you add all the kernels into the pot at once, you risk them burning.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I store this?

If you have leftovers, you can store your homemade kettle corn in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Make sure they’ve cooled before storing, or the leftovers will get soggy.

How do I keep this from burning?

It’s important to vigorously shake the pot to help the kernels cook evenly and prevent it from burning.

What’s the difference between this and popcorn?

Popcorn comes in all kinds of flavors and is usually on the buttery and savory side. Kettle corn, on the other hand, has a sweet and salty taste as it’s cooked with sugar and salt. It is also traditionally made in a large oiled iron kettle, which is how the recipe got its name!

Nutritional Facts:

Calories: 215kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 438mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 13g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

Recipe courtesy of Preppy Kitchen.com

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Fire and Ice Pickles

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Refrigeration: 1 day
Total Time: 1 day 30 minutes
Yield: 32 servings

Ingredients:

80 ounces whole dill pickles (do not use kosher)
1 cup reserved pickle juice
3 cups white sugar
1 Tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes (use more of less if desired)
1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds

Directions:

Drain the juice from the jar and place pickles in a colander. Save 1 cup of juice and set aside. Cut pickles into Âź inch slices.

Place pickle slices back into the jar they came in. Alternate pickles, sugar, red pepper flakes, mustard seeds and reserved juice until you reach the top of the jar.

Stir or shake the jar until the sugar is almost dissolved. Close the lid and leave at room temperature for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes until there is no more sugar showing at the bottom of the jar.

After 2 hours, stir the pickles well, close the lid, and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, open the lid, and you’ll have super sweet and slightly hot pickles with a touch of garlic and crunch!

Stir pickles really well and transfer them into pint-size mason jars with juice. Close bands and lids. Tie with twine or a pretty bow for gift giving if desired. Store pickles in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Notes:

Recipe yields 4 pints. Each pint jar yields 8 servings.

Make sure to store pickles in the refrigerator since they are not shelf-stable.

Do not use kosher pickles or this recipe won’t work.

If you can’t find whole dill pickles, use regular hamburger-sliced pickles instead. Make sure they don’t say kosher on the jar.

If you like hot pickles, add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Remember that this recipe is not shelf-stable and must be refrigerated at all times.

If stirring inside the large glass jar is too difficult, prepare pickles in a large bowl instead. Make sure to wash and dry lids, bands, and mason jars before use.

Where to Buy Whole Dill Pickles:

Purchase a large jar (at least 80 ounces) of WHOLE DILL pickles at the grocery store. I use Mt. Olive brand, but Vlasic is also a great option. These whole dills are the key ingredient. It makes a difference what type you buy!

If you can’t find a large jar, buy several smaller jars instead. But do NOT purchase kosher pickles, or this recipe won’t work. The jar must say Whole Dills or original dills on it. Kosher dills will not work properly.

Some stores no longer carry whole dills. I bought mine at Food Lion. You can also purchase them online, but they might be more expensive.

You can cut corners and use dill chips (not kosher) that have already been sliced, but they do not produce the same crunchy bite. I recommend sticking to the original recipe if at all possible.

Variations:

The original recipe is best, but if you like spicier food, or you want to add your own special touch, here are a few additions you can try.

chili peppers - not for the faint of heart!

fresh dill - adds more dill flavor to the brine

red bell peppers - a nice festive touch over the holidays

black peppercorns - for folks who love black pepper

diced onions - these will marinate and become sweet and spicy onions

hot pepper sauce - add your favorite type of hot sauce to kick things up a notch

pickled jalapeno peppers - can also use fresh, but pickled are less spicy

jarred minced garlic - stay away from fresh garlic because it might cause bacteria issues

If you like a bigger crunch, you can make homemade pickles with fresh cucumbers, sugar and white vinegar. Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles will become hot and spicy when adding Tabasco sauce or red pepper flakes.

Recipe FAQS:

What if I can’t find whole dills?

Sometimes it’s hard to find whole dills, and if that’s the case, it’s fine to use dill pickle slices. Remember to use the hamburger dills and not anything that says kosher on the jar.

How big should I make the slices?

Some folks cut their slices ½ thick. I like mine about ¼ inch. It’s really up to you, so be as flexible as you want. The main thing to remember is that you want the slices to be consistently the same size.

How does the sugar create a brine?

When the sugar breaks down, it combines with the pickle juice to create a brine that marinates even further. You’ll be amazed at how much liquid is left behind when you check the next day.

Why are these sometimes called Christmas pickles?

Since the color scheme is red and green, they’re very popular over the holidays. They also make the perfect appetizer for Christmas parties and hostess gifts.

Storage Tips:

This Fire and Ice Pickles recipe hasn’t been through the canning process, so it must be stored in clean glass jars in the refrigerator. Store up to 3 months in the fridge if they last that long!

The longer these spicy pickles sit, the better they taste. Some folks wait up to 5 days to transfer them to mason jars, but I never can wait that long! They taste great to me after waiting overnight.

The best tip is to taste them to see if they’re sweet and sassy enough. I usually let them sit in the fridge a few days before I give them as gifts so they have a longer brine time.

Nutritional Facts:

Calories: 84kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 688mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Recipe courtesy of Quiche My Grits.com

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Easy Tomato Bruschetta Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients:

1 loaf French bread
3 tablespoons olive oil
8 Roma tomatoes or plum tomatoes
⅓ cup chopped fresh basil
⅓ cup minced red onion
5 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons olive oil
Âź teaspoon kosher salt
Âź teaspoon pepper
Balsamic glaze my recipe

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F, and slice the French bread diagonally into slices that are Ÿ-inch thick. Brush both sides lightly with the 3 tablespoons of olive oil (can use more if desired), and place onto two baking sheets. Place into the oven and bake for about 7 minutes. Turn slices over and bake for another 5-10 minutes until golden.

In a large bowl, combine chopped tomatoes, basil, red onion, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

With a slotted spoon, place mixture onto toasted bread slices and drizzle with Balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.

Notes:

With a slotted spoon, place mixture onto toasted bread slices and drizzle with Balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.

How do I store bruschetta?

After the bruschetta has been assembled, it really needs to be served and enjoyed right away. The longer the bruschetta sits, the softer (and eventually soggier) the bread will become.

If you want to save time when your dinner guests arrive, you could mix together the ingredients for the bruschetta topping up to several hours in advance. Then cover and place in the refrigerator until the toasted bread is ready for topping and serving.

Nutritional Facts:

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 342mg | Potassium: 181mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 475IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2mg

Recipe courtesy of 365 Days of Baking and More.com

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Cowboy Caviar

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings as an appetizer

Ingredients:

Salad/Dip:
1-3/4 cups sweet corn, fresh or frozen
1-3/4 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered, 1 (10-ounce) container
1 cup diced bell peppers; I use 1/2 red and 1/2 green pepper
1/3 cup diced red onion; see note 1
2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeĂąo see note 2
1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro measured after chopping; 1 bunch
1 (15.25-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15.5-ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
2 ripe avocados, 1 cup, optional

Dressing:

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 large lime
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/3 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper
Tortilla chips for serving

Directions:

Aim to dice the vegetables to roughly the same size as the beans for the best results. If using fresh corn, cut it off the cob. Sauté fresh or frozen corn in a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat, about 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked. Let cool completely before adding. Quarter cherry tomatoes, dice bell peppers, and finely dice jalapeño and cilantro.

Add all the prepped vegetables to a large bowl with the drained and rinsed black beans and black-eyed peas.

Zest and juice lime to get 1/4 teaspoon zest and 2 tablespoons juice. Add zest and juice along with all other dressing ingredients to a mason jar. Seal the jar and shake until combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper (I add 1/2 teaspoon each).

Right before serving, dice the optional avocados and gently stir them into the caviar. Drizzle with dressing. (Feel free to use less dressing if desired.) Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt if needed (I add up to 1/2 teaspoon more salt).

Notes:

Note 1: To reduce the sharpness of the red onion, soak the diced onions in salted ice water for 10 minutes. Drain thoroughly before adding to the dish.

Note 2: To control the heat, remove the ribs and seeds from the jalapeĂąo pepper. For more heat, leave some seeds in.

Quick Tip: Cut all the tomatoes at once: Place cherry tomatoes between two plates with lips. Hold the top plate securely and use a sharp serrated knife to slice through all the tomatoes in one go!

The longer red onions sit in the salad, the stronger their flavor gets. If you’re sensitive, add them right before serving or just to the portion you’ll eat if you plan to have leftovers.

Dice the avocado last, right before serving, to keep it fresh. Avocados brown quickly, so avoid chopping them too early. Don’t add avocado to any Cowboy Caviar you plan to save for leftovers.

Control the heat: For extra spice, leave some seeds and ribs in the jalapeĂąo or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. For less heat, use mild McCormickÂŽ chili powder and remove the ribs and seeds from the jalapeĂąo before dicing.

How long Does Cowboy Caviar Last?

Without the avocado and dressing added, this dip sits fairly well and will last 2-3 days refrigerated in an airtight container.

Add dressing only to the portions that will be enjoyed immediately; for leftovers, store dip, avocado, and dressing separately. Or simply leave out the avocado.

Nutritional Facts:

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 314mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1061IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

Recipe courtesy of Chelsea’s Messy Apron.com

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Deviled Eggs with Cowboy Caviar

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 Deviled Egg Halves

Ingredients:

12 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tsp. white distilled vinegar (apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar would also work)
1 tsp. Dijon or yellow mustard
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. onion powder
½ tsp. salt, or to taste
Âź tsp. black pepper, or to taste
1/2 cup Paisley Farm Cowboy Caviar
Paprika for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Slice each hard-boiled egg in half lengthwise and scoop out the yolks into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Set the egg white halves aside.

Using a potato masher, sturdy fork, or electric hand mixer, mash the egg yolks until there are no longer any large chunks. Add the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, garlic and onion powders, salt, and pepper to the mashed egg yolks. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until smooth and well combined.

Spoon about 1 to 2 teaspoons of the egg yolk mixture into each egg white half. Top the yolk with about 1 to 2 teaspoons of cowboy caviar. Sprinkle with paprika if desired.

Serve immediately or cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of Paisley Farm Foods.com

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Quick Pickled Peppers

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: ½ pound pickled peppers

Ingredients:

½ pound jalapeùos (choose larger jalapeùos for less spicy pickles)
1 red bell pepper
1 cup apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar or distilled white vinegar)
1 cup water
2 tablespoons honey or sugar of choice
2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

First, prepare your peppers: Wear gloves to prevent your fingers from getting burned. For less spicy pickles, use a paring knife to remove the jalapeño membranes and seeds before slicing (this is a lot of work, so I just pulled out the larger membranes from my sliced pickles). Slice the pickles thin with a mandoline or chef’s knife. If you’re still concerned about the spice level of the pickles, run the sliced jalapeños under running water in a colander to try to knock off any remaining seeds. (Beware, those pepper fumes made me cough.) Slice off the top of the bell pepper and remove the seeds and membranes. Chop the bell pepper.

Combine the prepared peppers and smashed garlic in a 28-ounce (1.75 pints) or larger glass jar. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, honey, and salt. Bring the mixture close to a boil on the stove, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sweetener into the liquid. Remove from heat and carefully pour the liquid over the peppers. Use a butter knife to poke down the peppers so they all fit, and there aren’t any hidden air pockets.

Let the pickles cool to room temperature in the jar, then screw on a lid and refrigerate the pickles. Depending on how thinly you sliced the peppers, they could be ready to eat immediately or might need a couple of days in the refrigerator before they taste fully pickled (just sample one every now and then to find out!). They are best when relatively fresh, but keep well for at least a month.

Notes:

Make it vegan: Substitute maple syrup, agave nectar, or sugar for the honey.

Can I can it? No. This recipe is a “refrigerator pickle” recipe. It is not designed for canning in a water bath, and it has not been tested for canning safety. Please do not attempt! Follow a recipe specifically designed for canning instead.

Pickled Pepper Notes & Tips:

I’ve always loved pickled jalapeños, but lately I’ve been frustrated by store-bought varieties that are sliced too thick (they overwhelm the other flavors) and taste way too salty (again, overwhelming the other flavors). Not to mention, many pickled jalapeños contain food coloring and preservatives in addition to vinegar, which I’d just as well avoid.

If you want to make sure your peppers aren’t crazy spicy, buy big ones so it’s easier to remove the seeds and membranes before slicing. That’s where the heat is concentrated. You might also want to avoid more mature peppers with striations on the sides, which are rumored to indicate hotter peppers. If you taste a little sliver of a few of your jalapeños and none are crazy hot, you probably don’t need to worry about getting crazy hot pickles.

All that said, pickling the peppers with vinegar, salt, and a little bit of honey tones them down quite a bit! If you come across a bunch of jalapeños at the farmers’ market this weekend, you can bottle them up for later with this simple refrigerator pickle recipe.

Recipe courtesy of Cookie and Kate.com

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Cowboy Steak Bruschetta

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 32 servings

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Olive Oil
1/4 cup Prepared Pesto
1 lb Sirloin or Strip Steak
1 French Bread Loaf cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices
1 pkg (7.5 oz) Chive and Onion Cream Cheese, slightly softened
1 cup Chopped Tomato
Parmesan Cheese optional
Fresh Parsley optional

Directions:

In a small bowl, combine olive oil and prepared pesto.

Into a resealable plastic bag, place the steak and pour about half of the olive oil/pesto mixture. Let meat marinate in the fridge for approx 2 hours.

After the steak has marinated, grill to desired doneness. Remove from grill and let steak rest.

As the steak rests, arrange the French Bread slices on a large baking sheet. Brush the remaining oil/pesto mixture over the tops of the bread slices. Place the baking sheet in the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes, about 5-6 inches from the heat source, until golden brown. (Make sure to keep a close eye on the bread so that it does not BURN!)

Once the bread is toasted, remove from the oven and spoon a small amount of the softened cream cheese over each slice of bread.

Slice the (rested) steak, against the grain, and layer onto the slices of bread.

Top with chopped tomatoes, shredded Parmesan, and fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Recipe courtesy of My Farmhouse Table.com

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Peach Bruschetta

Total: 35 min
Active: 15 min
Yield: 12 to 15 servings

Ingredients:

1 French baguette, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pound large peaches, cut into small dice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon hot sauce, plus more as desired
4 ounces goat cheese

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Lay the baguette pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush both sides with 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, and bake until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes.

In a medium bowl, toss together the peaches, basil, salt and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Whisk together the honey, vinegar and hot sauce in a small bowl, adding more hot sauce to taste.

To build the bruschetta, start with a piece of baguette, spread with the goat cheese, spoon on some peaches and top with the hot honey.

Recipe courtesy of Food Network.com

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