Best 2 Christmas Red Pickles Recipes

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During the holiday season, many families have unique traditions that make the time of year special. For some, it's decorating the Christmas tree, exchanging presents, or enjoying festive meals. And for those of Polish descent, there's one dish that is particularly synonymous with Christmas: red pickles. These pickled beets are a sweet and tangy treat that is often served as an appetizer or side dish. Their vibrant red color is said to symbolize good luck and prosperity in the coming year. In this article, we'll share two recipes for Polish red pickles: a traditional version and a modern twist with a hint of orange zest. Both recipes are easy to follow and can be made ahead of time, making them a perfect addition to your holiday feast.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHRISTMAS RED PICKLES



Christmas Red Pickles image

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

7 pounds large cucumbers
1 cup pickling lime (calcium hydroxide)
2 teaspoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon powdered alum
1 cup distilled white vinegar
7 cups white sugar
2 cups distilled white vinegar
2 cups water
1 cup cinnamon red hot candies
4 cinnamon sticks

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

CHRISTMAS RED PICKLES (TO BEGIN SERVING AT THANKSGIVING)



CHRISTMAS RED PICKLES (to begin serving at Thanksgiving) image

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

CHRISTMAS RED PICKLES
7 lb large cucumbers
1 c pickling lime
2 tsp red food coloring drops
1 tsp powdered alum
1 c distilled white vinegar
7 c white sugar
2 c distilled white vinegar
2 c water
1 c cinnamon red hot candy
4 stick cinnamon

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 !!

Tips:

  • Choose firm and crisp cucumbers for pickling. This will help ensure that they hold their shape and texture during the pickling process.
  • Use a variety of spices and herbs to flavor your pickles. This will give them a more complex and interesting flavor profile.
  • Be patient! Pickling takes time. Allow your pickles to ferment for at least 2 weeks before eating them. This will give them time to develop their full flavor.
  • Store your pickles in a cool, dark place. This will help them stay fresh and crisp for longer.

Conclusion:

Christmas red pickles are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for any holiday gathering. They are easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy this traditional German treat in no time.

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