Canning Watermelon Pickle.... Really!
Hello There! I'm writing to you from the world of domestic bliss. I have been on vacation for two days now, and I'm starting my summer canning, and I couldn't be happier.
Starting last night I began the process of canning watermelon rind pickles. These little ole pickles harken back to my childhood summers spent in Bakersfield with my aunt, uncle and cousins Johnny (now he likes to be called "JC" - I guess he's earned the right to be called what he wants now, he's nearly 40) and Heather. As we ate our watermelon at the breakfast, lunch or dinner table, poolside or sitting in front of the telly in our pyjamas, aunt Terri always made sure we saved our rinds for her pickle!
Yes, I thought it was bizarre....gross actually. But isn't it amazing how growing older increases our appreciation? I've heard our taste buds actually mature. I'm sure that my sentimentality is increasing....
So anyhoo.... as an homage to old Bakersfield hot summer days, and aunt Terri, here's my adventure with watermelon rind pickling. Oh, my mom said that these are good served with cooked bacon wrapped around them, with a nut, and broiled.... the salty, sweet and sour flavors together..... my mouth is watering right now!!
Okay, first thing's first. You have to get as many friends and family as possible to eat, eat, and eat some more watermelon. Then make sure that you keep your eyes on the rind, not for a moment letting them even think about throwing those rinds away. It took a little convincing to get Bernie (hubby) to comply, but eventually he did. You'll need 4 quarts watermelon rind (that's about the rind from one whole watermelon).
Here's the recipe:
4 quarts cubed rind, white part only (pink and green removed)
1 cup canning salt (yes, it has to be "canning" salt - table salt isn't appropriate)
OR
3 tablespoons pickling lime (yes, you can find this with canning equipment, pectin, etc.)
2 sticks cinnamon (each broken in half)
1 tablespoon whole allspice
1 tablespoon whole cloves
1/4 teaspoon mustard seed
1 thinly sliced lemon
2 pices fresh ginger, sliced
7 cups white sugar
1 quart white vinegar
Take the watermelon rinds, cut off most of the pink bits. Then, cut off the green outer layer. I found it easier to cut the rind in pieces prior to doing this this. If you waited, cut pices in one to two-inch squares/rectangles/triangles (whatever you like) now. Set aside.
Here you have to make a decision. Do you want crisp or soft pickles?
1. If you want crisp pickles, soak the rind for at least 2 hours in pickling lime dissolved in 2 quarts water
2. If you want regular, soft pickles, cover rind pieces with salt dissolved in 1 gallon of water. Let stand at least 12 hours, or overnight.
This is a good time to get your spices together. Take a piece of cheesecloth or muslin, place all spices in it, and tie. I used a piece of embroidery thread laying around.
1 Comments:
FOUND IT! I found you chickadee in cyberspace, finally. Don't know if I will do the pickling (hey, I'm waiting for my gift from you!)but I will know exactly where to look when I get the cajones up to do some cannin'.
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