This has been the summer of pickling for me. Know that Portlandia sketch?
The one where they pickle everything? Yeah, that is totally me right now. I blame beets. Beets started my whole summer obsession with pickling. You see, we have this neighbor, Pete.
Pete gave me beers and produce. This made me happy.
Pete has a garden that puts mine to shame, I mean his garden makes me want to cry is it so awesome. And he is very generous with letting me come over and pillage his garden. Every time I go up to our summer ranch, he invites me over and lets me pick produce (like once a week, between my garden and his, I haven’t bought produce in months). Needless to say, I’m a pretty big Pete fan right now.
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![The first time Pete turned me loose in his garden was after a long day working on the ranch. I had lost both pant legs to eye patches for the cows, I hadn't had a shower, I wasn't wearing make-up and I had eye patch glue all over my hands. Garden time was much needed and very much appreciated!]()
The first time Pete turned me loose in his garden was after a long day working on the ranch. I had lost both pant legs to eye patches for the cows, I hadn’t had a shower, I wasn’t wearing make-up and I had eye patch glue all over my hands. Garden time was much needed and very much appreciated!
Want to know the really funny thing? I don’t like most of the things I am canning. Actually let me re-phrase that, I didn’t like most of the things. I finally tried the beets and they were amazing, why didn’t anyone tell me pickled beets are good?
I’ve decided to share some of my pickling recipes. Not that I am making anything that is super rare, or you can’t already find on the internets….
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![The beets I picked.]()
The beets I picked.
I got this recipe out of the Ball Blue Book of Preserving. I modified it slightly after lurking a bunch of other recipes. I am very happy with the finished product.
Pickled Beets
(this makes about 6 pints of pickles beets)
3 quarts beets (like 12 big ones)
2 cups white sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
1 Tablespoon whole allspice
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
3 1/2 cup white vinegar
1 1/2 cup reserved water from boiling the beets
This is what you do:
Wash the beets really well.
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![Silly helped! She tasted the greens to make sure they were good.]()
Silly helped! She tasted the greens to make sure they were good.
Place them in a large pot and boil until a fork is easily inserted (I cut them in half to shorten the cooking time).
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![Boiling beets.]()
Boiling beets.
Once your beets are cooked the skin should slip right off.
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![Beets remind me of breaking down a carcass. They are so messy and red!]()
Beets remind me of breaking down a carcass. They are so messy and red!
Slice or cube your beets. Combine all ingredients except the beets, in a large saucepan.
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![Your pickling mixture.]()
Your pickling mixture.
Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the cinnamon sticks.
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![Packing warm beets into hot jars.]()
Packing warm beets into hot jars.
Pack beets into hot jars (I put my sterilized jars in an 180 degree oven and use as needed), leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
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![Wine helps.]()
Wine helps.
Ladle hot liquid over the beets, making sure to leave the 1/4 inch headspace. Remove the air bubbles.
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![Remove the air bubbles and clean the top so you get a seal.]()
Remove the air bubbles and clean the top so you get a seal.
Adjust the two piece caps.
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![Hot, clean caps help with a good seal!]()
Hot, clean caps help with a good seal!
Process pints or quarts (I used pints) for 30 minutes in boiling water.
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![Make sure you have at least two inches of water covering you processing cans!]()
Make sure you have at least two inches of water covering you processing cans!
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![Process for 30 minutes!]()
Process for 30 minutes!
The older I get the more and more I am realizing how lucky I am/was, to be born into a family that valued canning and pickling. I have wonderful memories of both side of my family canning fruits, vegetables, jams and jellies in the summer. I know many people are intimidated to try and can because it is unfamiliar to them. But you guys, I promise, it’s not really that hard and when you hear that “pop” of the can sealing, it is so worth it! I urge you try it! If you have questions, ask me, I’d love to help!
![Pickled beets by me. The fruits of my labor. YUM!]()
Pickled beets by me. The fruits of my labor. YUM!
