Recipe: Sweet Picnic Pickles (Ice Box Pickle Mix)

Sweet Picnic Pickles (Ice Box Pickle Mix)

The dry mix (sugar and seasonings) is a great food gift, along with a gallon jar and the directions for making these wonderful pickles. Many times you will see this dry mix sold at craft fairs as Ice Box Pickle Mix. - Jo Dakotah

DRY MIX INGREDIENTS:
4 cups sugar (reduce sugar for a more tart pickle)
1/2 cup salt
1 1/3 tablespoons celery seed
1 1/3 teaspoons turmeric
1 1/3 tablespoons mustard seed
FOR THE PICKLES:
4 cups vinegar
8 medium cucumbers, sliced (or cut in 1-inch chunks); see note*
1 medium onion, peeled and sliced (or more if you like)
OTHER VEGETABLES (optional):*
cauliflower, cut in small florets
cabbage, sliced
carrots, cut in strips
bell peppers, red, green, yellow cut in strips

TO PREPARE THE DRY MIX:
Combine dry ingredients and set aside (place in a zipper-lock bag if giving as a gift).

TO MAKE THE PICKLES:
Add the vinegar to the dry mix and stir until sugar and salt are dissolved: DO NOT HEAT; set aside.

Layer cucumbers and onions (or other vegetables) in a one gallon container, smaller jars, or crock with a lid.

Pour the vinegar mixture over vegetables in jar(s). If needed, add enough water to cover cucumbers and onions completely. Do not exceed 1 cup water.

Pack cucumbers and onions tighter with a wooden spoon if necessary. Tighten lid. Refrigerate 5 days before using. (Judith's note: I have used them 24 hours later and they are great!) Shake or stir mixture occasionally.

*Judith's note: The amount of cucumbers varies according to size. You will need about 6 large or 8 medium and if using the little ones - many more. Cucumbers from the grocery store will need to be peeled to remove the wax, etc. It is much better to use the unwaxed ones and leave on the peel.
Jo's note: You can use any vegetable that will stay crisp, like cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, celery, any color of sweet pepper, onions, squash, green beans etc. You can also cut cucumbers in one-inch chunks for pickles to use as an appetizer or as a side dish for picnics.

Makes 1 gallon
Adapted from Source: Judith Ille via Jo Dakotah
Updated at Recipelink.com