Re: humongo batch of pickles/apples

[Guest guest]

Last summer i pickled 20 pounds of cucumbers using a recipe that came with

my harsch crock. They were much loved and ran out quickly. This summer i'm

planning to do like a 100 pounds. I think that will see us through the year.

I use the brine method, with some whey.

Anyone ever done pickles in this big a batch? If so, wondering if you have

tips to share.

Also, when apples come in season i would like to gather a ton and store them

in our basement for the year. Anyone ever done that successfully?

Elaine

[Guest guest]

>Anyone ever done pickles in this big a batch? If so, wondering if you have

>tips to share.

One tip:

You can do them in smaller batches, right in the jar. Which is

easier than transferring all those pickles out of the crock! Or

do them in a big barrel I guess, and leave them in the barrel

like they did in the old days. I did mine in jars though, and

they came out great. Each jar had a few cloves of garlic,

peppers, and a sprig of dill ... very artistic!

The " narrow mouth " jars are made so that you can cram

the cukes down below the narrow neck, and they will

stay under the brine, which I guess was the original purpose.

Then you just pour on your brine and you are good to go.

Heidi Jean

[Guest guest]

Thanks Heidi, I was planning to do them right in the jar. My crock is not

big enough! I'm thinking most about washing them all (as mine come with dirt

stuck to them) and pricking them all. Dh suggested i wash them in the

dishwasher on a gentle cycle. Then we're thinking i should make a nailed

paddle so i can prick them in batches. I didn't know about narrow necked

jars -- what a great idea!

Elaine

> The " narrow mouth " jars are made so that you can cram

> the cukes down below the narrow neck, and they will

> stay under the brine, which I guess was the original purpose.

> Then you just pour on your brine and you are good to go.

[Guest guest]

>Thanks Heidi, I was planning to do them right in the jar. My crock is not

>big enough! I'm thinking most about washing them all (as mine come with dirt

>stuck to them) and pricking them all. Dh suggested i wash them in the

>dishwasher on a gentle cycle. Then we're thinking i should make a nailed

>paddle so i can prick them in batches. I didn't know about narrow necked

>jars -- what a great idea!

>Elaine

Hm. I haven't tried pricking them! I just soak them in a big bucket to get

rid of dirt. Also I salt them first, which makes them crispier.

Heidi Jean