Gifts Wrapped in Glass: Day 27

I have put off writing this post a hundred times. I have re-done the pictures twice and put it off some more. I seem to be procrastinating on this particular jar.

I don't know why, because I love Sweet Pickle Relish. Perhaps it's the green color. It's hard to make green foods look good enough to eat. Any "Green Eggs and Ham" fans out there?

Even though it's green, Sweet Pickle Relish is a staple of the American hot dog and hamburger diet. 

Plus, it makes a great GIFT WRAPPED IN GLASS.

Relish is easy to make and just takes a few ingredients. You will love the fresh taste and making it yourself insures you will not have any chemically enhancements in your food.

What is yellow dye #5 anyway?

Here's the ingredients:

14 cucumbers, chopped in a food processor

1 cup onions, chopped in food processor

8 cups water

8 cups ice cubes

6 cups white vinegar

2 cups sugar

3/4 cup pickling salt

4 tsp. mustard seed

4 tsp. turmeric

4 tsp. whole allspice

4 tsp. whole cloves

7 pint Mason Jars

Chop cukes in the food processor, you should have about 12 cups. Combine chopped cucumbers, onions, salt water and 4 cups ice cubes. Let drain in a large bowl overnight. Drain and repeat the process with rest of the ice. Let stand 1 hour. Meanwhile, tie spices together in a cheese cloth. In a large sauce pan combine vinegar, sugar and spice bag. Bring to a boil over high heat, pour over vegetables.  Fill sterilized jars, wiping top of jars clean and inserting a plastic utensil down the side to remove trapped air bubbles. Add bands and process 15 minutes in a boiling water canner.

The original recipe also calls for sweet red and green peppers in this mix. I had extra cucumbers so I didn't use the peppers, but you could add 3 cups (3 large peppers) finely chopped,  as well.

Adapted from The Kerr Kitchen Cookbook

A bit of ribbon and a cute label make this Gift Wrapped in Glass complete.

We enjoy our relish on hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats. I also mix it with mayo and lemon to make a bit of tarter sauce now and then. It keeps for a long time in the refrigerator.

Who knew condiments could be so much fun?