Christmas pickles, a unique and delightful holiday tradition, have captivated taste buds and hearts across cultures for generations. Originating in Germany, these sour, crunchy treats are typically shaped like festive ornaments and add a tangy twist to the sweet and savory flavors of the Christmas feast. Whether enjoyed as a savory snack, a quirky addition to a charcuterie board, or a symbol of good luck, Christmas pickles have become an integral part of holiday celebrations, offering a delightful blend of nostalgia, flavor, and fun.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CHRISTMAS RED PICKLES
These cinnamon-flavored sweet pickles are a bit like candied apples. Kind of time consuming but worth the time.
Provided by bobbi s.
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Canning and Preserving Recipes Pickled
Time P1DT15h5m
Yield 80
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Peel cucumbers, halve lengthwise, and scrape out the seeds with a spoon. Cut the cucumber into 1/4 inch half circles, and place into a glass or ceramic crock. Dissolve the pickling lime in about 1 quart of room temperature water, pour over the cucumbers, then add additional water until the cucumbers are covered by 1/2 inch. Let stand at room temperature 24 hours.
- Drain the cucumbers and rinse well with cold water. Place into a large stockpot, and cover with cold water. Allow to stand for 3 hours, then drain and rinse again.
- Return the cucumbers to the pot, add the food coloring, alum, 1 cup vinegar, and enough water to cover by 1/2 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer, and cook 2 hours. Once the cucumbers have cooked for 2 hours, drain and allow to cool a bit before placing into the glass or ceramic jar.
- Stir together sugar, 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups water, cinnamon red hot candies, and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar and candies dissolve. Pour this mixture over the warm cucumbers, cover, and let stand overnight.
- Pack pickles into pint jars, and process in a hot water bath for 15 to 20 minutes. Refrigerate any jars that do not seal.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 84.8 calories, Carbohydrate 21.7 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 0.3 g, Sodium 8.1 mg, Sugar 19.8 g
TEXAS CHRISTMAS PICKLES
These spicy/sweet pickles are a Texas tradition. My mother and I have made these delectable pickles for Christmas every year since I was young. We separate each batch into smaller jars and give them as gifts to friends and family. I would hate to think what would happen if we skipped a year!!
Provided by KIKI810
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Canning and Preserving Recipes Pickled
Time P7DT30m
Yield 60
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Drain the brine from the pickles and discard. Slice pickles lengthwise, and return them to the jar. Pour in the hot pepper sauce, and add the garlic. Pour in about 1/3 of the sugar. Close the lid tightly. Gently tip the jar back and forth several times to allow everything to mix well. Leave out on the counter at room temperature for about 1 week.
- During the week, add more sugar as the sugar in the jar dissolves. Gently tip the jar back and forth to mix. Continue the process throughout the week, until you have used up all of the sugar. When all of the sugar has been absorbed, pickles will be dark green and crispy. Transfer pickles to smaller sterile jars, and divide syrup between jars. Seal with lids and rings. Store in the refrigerator, and consume within one month.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 182.9 calories, Carbohydrate 47 g, Fat 0.1 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 0.3 g, Sodium 500.7 mg, Sugar 45.8 g
CHRISTMAS PICKLES
A dear family friend made these pickles for decades. I've adapted the recipe a bit over the years, but in my heart they are still "Dr. Rhodes' pickles." These morsels are delicious any time of year, but the green, red and white hues of the pickles, cherries and onions make them ideal for Christmas gift-giving-and it's a tasty twist on the classic Christmas pickle tradition. -Patricia Martin, Shelby
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 35m
Yield 6-1/2 quarts.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Drain pickles, reserving juice; set juice aside. Cut pickles into 1/2-in. slices; set aside. In a large stockpot, combine sugar, vinegar, mustard seed, cloves, peppers, garlic, cinnamon sticks and pickle juice. , Cook over medium heat sugar is dissolved, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Discard cinnamon sticks. , In a large bowl, combine cherries, onions and pickle slices. Pour liquid over pickle mixture. Stir in oil., Cover and refrigerate for 48 hours, stirring occasionally. Divide mixture among jars. Cover and store in the refrigerator up to 1 month.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 99 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 55mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.
CHRISTMAS RED PICKLES (TO BEGIN SERVING AT THANKSGIVING)
I make a ton of Lime Cucumber Pickles. This past summer I made several jars for my next door neighbor, a 50 + gentleman. He blows off my porches and driveways, such a dear son of my 90 year old neighbor. He LOVES these Pickles and I have already given him 2 more quarts. It's his bed time snack. His plan is that next year we'll...
Provided by Jewel Hall
Categories Vegetables
Time 2h
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. Peel cucumbers, half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with a spoon. Cut the cucumbers into 1/4 inch half circles, and place in a glass or ceramic crock. Dissolve the pickling lime in 1 qt of room temperature water, pour over cucumbers, then add additional water until the cucumbers are covered by about 1/2 inch. Let stand at room temperature about 24 hours.
- 2. Drain the Cucumbers and rinse well with cold water. Place in a large non aluminum stock pot, and cover with cold water. Allow to stand 3 hours then drain and rinse again.
- 3. Return the cucumbers to the pot, add the food coloring. alum, 1 cup vinegar and enough water to cover by 1/2 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook 2 hours. drain and allow to cool a bit before placing them into glass jars.
- 4. Bring together sugar, 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups water, cinnamon red hot candies, and cinnamon sticks in a sauce pan over medium heat until the sugar and candies dissolve. Pour this mixture over the warm cucumbers, cover, and let stand over night.
- 5. Pack pickles into pint glass jars, process in a hot water bath for 15 to 20 minutes. Refrigerate any jars that do not seal. These are a bit like candied apples....GOOD !! and PRETTY !!
CHRISTMAS PICKLES
Taste of Home recipe says,"My pickle recipe was adapted from one a dear family friend shared. These morsels are delicious any time of year, but the green, red and white hues of the pickles, cherries and onions make them ideal for Christmas gift giving." Taste of Home article 2013
Provided by Pat Duran
Categories Other Side Dishes
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. Drain pickles; reserving juice; set juice aside. Cut pickles into 1/2-inch chunks; set aside. In a large soup kettle, combine sugar, vinegar, mustard seed, cloves, peppers, garlic, cinnamon sticks and pickle juice.
- 2. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes or until sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally. Bring to a boil;reduce heat; simmer, uncovered , for 10 minutes. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Discard cinnamon sticks.
- 3. In a large bowl, combine cherries, onions and pickle chunks. Pour liquid over pickle mixture. Stir in oil. Cover and refrigerate for 48 hours, stirring occasionally. Divide mixture among quart or pint jars. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month after opening. Makes about 6 1/2 quarts or 13 pints. No need to process these.Store unopened sealed jars in pantry,just like store bought pickles.
TEXAS CHRISTMAS PICKLES RECIPE
Provided by bethz
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Drain brine from the pickles and discard. Slice pickles lengthwise and return to the jar (I buy dill pickles already sliced). Pour in hot sauce and add garlic. Pour in about 1/3 of the sugar. Close the lid tightly. Gentle tip the jar back and forth several times to allow everything to mix well. Leave out on the counter at room temperature for about 1 week. During the week add more sugar whenever all the sugar in jar has dissolved. Gently tip back and forth to mix well. Do this each day until all the sugar has been added. When the sugar has completely dissolved the pickles will be dark green and crispy. Transfer to smaller sterile jars and divide syrup between jars. Seal with lids and rings. Store in refrig and consume in a month. Note: I sometimes buy a quart and reduce the other ingredients accordingly. I place into Ball plastic jars with green screw on tops.
Tips for Making Christmas Pickles:
- Select the Right Cucumbers: Choose small, firm cucumbers that are about 3-4 inches long. Gherkins or Kirby cucumbers are ideal for this purpose.
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and cut them into thin slices. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife to achieve uniform slices.
- Make the Brine: Combine water, vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Remove from heat and allow the brine to cool slightly.
- Pack the Cucumbers and Brine: Place the cucumber slices in a clean glass jar or container. Pour the cooled brine over the cucumbers, ensuring that they are completely submerged. Cover the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
- Optional Garnishes: Before serving, you can garnish the Christmas pickles with additional spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, or cloves. You can also add a sprig of rosemary or dill for an extra festive touch.
Conclusion:
Christmas pickles are a unique and flavorful holiday tradition that can add a touch of merriment to your festive gatherings. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can easily create these delightful treats at home. Experiment with different brine recipes and garnishes to find the combination that best suits your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them as a savory snack, a garnish for cocktails, or a unique addition to your cheeseboard, Christmas pickles are sure to bring joy and cheer to your holiday celebrations. Note: Always ensure that you follow proper food safety guidelines when preparing and storing homemade pickles to prevent any potential health risks. Enjoy your Christmas pickles safely and responsibly!
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