Judy B's Zesty Crunchy Sweet & Spicy Pickles
Elevate your snacking experience with Judy B's Zesty Crunchy Sweet & Spicy Pickles! This delightful recipe transforms ordinary sour dill pickles into a tantalizing treat that perfectly balances sweetness and heat. With fresh garlic and fiery jalapeños, these pickles are sure to impress at any gathering. Not only are they versatile as a snack or sandwich topper, but they also boast a satisfying crunch that will keep you coming back for more. Prepare them ahead of time and let the flavors meld over six days for a truly unforgettable condiment!
7
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole sour dill pickles
1 gallon (drained and sliced)
Sliced jalapenos
1 (12 ounce) jar (drained)
Granulated sugar
4 lbs (none)
Fresh garlic cloves
7 (minced)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the whole sour dill pickles overnight in a colander. Cover them with a towel and let them sit in the sink to release any excess liquid.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, minced garlic, and sliced jalapenos. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
3
Using the empty gallon pickle jar, create alternating layers of the sugar and pickle slices, starting with a layer of sugar. Gently shake the jar or bounce it on a thick towel between layers to help accommodate all the pickles.
4
Once all the pickles are packed into the jar, cover the top with either saran wrap or wax paper before securing the lid. This will help maintain freshness.
5
Place the jar on the counter and turn it every day for six days, ensuring the sugar dissolves and infuses the pickles with flavor.
6
After six days, pack the pickles into sterile glass jars, seal them tightly, and refrigerate. The cold temperature of the fridge helps keep the pickles crunchy.
7
Enjoy these delicious pickles straight from the jar or use them as toppings for burgers, sandwiches, or salads!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Judy B's Zesty Crunchy Sweet & Spicy Pickles?
They are a homemade condiment that transforms ordinary sour dill pickles into a sweet, spicy, and crunchy snack using sugar, garlic, and jalapenos.
What type of pickles are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires one gallon of whole sour dill pickles, which should be drained and then sliced.
How long should I drain the pickles?
The pickles should be drained in a colander overnight to ensure all excess liquid is released.
How much sugar is used in Judy B's pickle recipe?
This recipe calls for 4 lbs of granulated sugar to create the sweet and spicy syrup.
Are these pickles spicy?
Yes, they have a spicy kick provided by one 12-ounce jar of sliced jalapenos.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 7 fresh garlic cloves, which should be minced before being added to the mixture.
What is the preparation process for the jalapenos?
You should use one 12-ounce jar of sliced jalapenos that has been thoroughly drained.
Do I need to cook any part of this recipe?
No cooking is required; the pickles are prepared through a cold-infusion process on the counter and then refrigerated.
How should I layer the ingredients in the jar?
You should create alternating layers of the sugar/garlic/jalapeno mixture and the pickle slices, starting with a layer of sugar.
What should I do if all the pickles don't fit in the jar at once?
Gently shake the jar or bounce it on a thick towel between layers to help the pickles settle and accommodate the full gallon.
Why do I need to use saran wrap or wax paper under the lid?
This helps maintain freshness and provides an extra seal between the jar and the lid during the infusion process.
How long do the pickles need to sit on the counter?
The pickles need to sit on the counter for six days to allow the sugar to dissolve and the flavors to meld.
How often should I turn the jar?
You should turn the jar every day for the full six days to ensure even distribution of the syrup.
When should the pickles be refrigerated?
After the six-day room temperature infusion period is over, the pickles should be packed into sterile jars and refrigerated.
Why is refrigeration important for this recipe?
The cold temperature of the refrigerator is essential for keeping the pickles crunchy.
What are some serving suggestions for these pickles?
They are great as a standalone snack or as toppings for burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, all ingredients listed, including pickles, sugar, garlic, and jalapenos, are vegetarian-friendly.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the recipe data, it yields approximately 7 servings.
Can I use fresh jalapenos instead of jarred?
The recipe specifies a 12-ounce jar of sliced jalapenos, but fresh ones could be used if you prefer a different heat level.
Do I need to sterilize the storage jars?
Yes, the recipe recommends using sterile glass jars for the final storage in the refrigerator.
What provides the 'crunch' in this recipe?
The crunch is maintained by the initial overnight draining and the subsequent refrigeration after the sugar infusion.
Can I use this recipe for other vegetables?
While designed for sour dill pickles, the sweet and spicy sugar-garlic-jalapeno base could theoretically be used for other pickled vegetables.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 4 main ingredients: pickles, jalapenos, sugar, and garlic.
Is there any added fat in this recipe?
No, there are no oils or fats included in the ingredient list for these pickles.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a condiment, snack, and homemade summer treat.
Can I use granulated sugar substitutes?
The recipe specifies 4 lbs of granulated sugar; using substitutes may affect the texture and the syrup's ability to preserve the pickles.
What makes the pickles 'zesty'?
The combination of the original sour vinegar from the dill pickles mixed with fresh minced garlic and spicy jalapenos creates the zesty flavor.
Should the pickles be sliced thick or thin?
The recipe simply says 'sliced,' but typically medium-thick slices are used to maintain a good crunch.
Can I eat the pickles before the six days are up?
It is best to wait the full six days to allow the sugar to fully dissolve and the spicy-sweet flavors to penetrate the pickles.
How long will these pickles last in the fridge?
While a specific expiration is not provided, properly stored pickles in sterile jars can typically last several weeks in the refrigerator.