BUCKET DILL PICKLES

Steps:

• 1. Wash a 5 quart pail in hot water and dry. Wash and quarter cucumbers. Put 1 layer of dill (3-4 heads), 1 layer of quartered cucumbers and 3 cloves of garlic and 1 red pepper in the pail; repeat layers ending with a layer of dill until pail is full. I usually make 3 to 4 layers. If I haven't used all the garlic and peppers, I just add them to the pail.
• 2. In large kettle, mix water, vinegar and salt. I use Nursery water which is found in the baby food section as our tap water is too soft and pickles will get mushy. Bring to a boil and boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool 10 minutes and then pour over cucumber mixture. Put lid on bucket and let stand 1 hour. I usually set the bucket on a couple of layers of paper towel before I pour on the brine, as it may run over when the lid is put on. After 1 hour, put in refrigerator for 5 days. Do not open the lid until the 5 days are up! I usually write the date I made them on the top of the lid so I know when they are ready to use.
• 3. After the 5 days, they are ready to eat. At this point, I usually pack them into clean quart jars with the dill and garlic and 1 pepper to each jar, then fill with brine from the bucket and put on the lids and rings. These must be stored in refrigerator. Makes about 5 quarts.