Friday Fun: Dill Refrigerator Pickles

Now that the kids are all out of school for summer, it's time to find some fun recipes to try in the kitchen! A few weeks ago when the Wisconsin Test Kitchen went to the Dane County Farmer's Market; we picked up some smaller cucumbers to make pickles out of. Between the Bloody Mary's, sandwiches, and snacks consumed in our house- we go through a lot of pickles. And I mean A LOT of pickles. We thought refrigerator pickles might be a fun, and easy project.

If the idea of canning and preserving overwhelms you; refrigerator pickles are the way to go. You don't have to worry about canning, and all you need to do is add ingredients to your jars, and store them in your fridge for a week before eating. The only catch to refrigeration instead of preserving: whatever you refrigerate needs to be eaten in 4-6 weeks. Not a problem in our house! 

This is a great project for kids: older kids can slice the cucumbers, while smaller ones can count peppercorns, pick dill off the stalk and help measure sugar and salt. 

Dill Refrigerator Pickles
Recipe courtesy of: Self Proclaimed Foodie

10-12 pickling cucumbers
4 cups water
2 cups white vinegar
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon sugar
big bunch of dill
1 head of garlic, skins removed, cloves smashed (less if its a strong garlic)
10 peppercorn kernels

Slice cucumbers into 1/4 inch slices or spears. Set aside

To make brine, combine water, vinegar, salt, and sugar in medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil and swirl to make sugar and salt dissolve. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

Add cucumbers to jars. Do not pack them super tight as you you'll want room for the brine. Add the fresh dill, smashed garlic, and peppercorns to the jars. Finish by adding enough brine to cover the cucumbers. Seal with an airtight lid and store in the refrigerator for at least one week. Pickles should be good for at least 4-6 weeks after that.

This recipe made enough to fill two quart jars. 

Since strawberry season is upon us, stay tuned: one of the items on the Wisconsin Test Kitchen Summer Bucket list is to go strawberry picking. We've got an easy jam recipe you'll love making with your kids. 

Stay Cool,
The Cool Dads Crew