1-Getting started with this bread butter pickles recipe: feels like a fun adventure, especially when you think of Granny’s old ways. First, wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into 1/4-inch pieces, tossing out the ends for the best texture. Then, peel and thinly slice the onions before mixing them in a large bowl with the cucumbers.

2-Next: sprinkle 1/4 cup canning salt over the mix and cover it with 2 quarts of crushed ice or ice and water, letting it soak for 3 hours to draw out extra moisture and keep things crisp. While that’s sitting, prepare your jars, lids, and bands by washing them well, then place the jars in a water bath canner, cover with water, and simmer for 10 minutes to keep them hot and ready.

3-In a large pot: combine 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon mustard seed, 1 teaspoon celery seed, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns, and 3 cups apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, heating it just to boiling. After soaking, drain and rinse the cucumbers and onions under fresh water, add them to the pot, bring it back to a boil, then lower the heat and keep it warm. For a helpful tip, check out this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup Recipe on our site for more ideas on preserving flavors through canning.

4-Now, remove a hot jar from the canner, drain it, and set it on a towel. Use a funnel to fill the jars with the hot cucumbers, onions, and brine, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles, make sure everything is submerged, wipe the rim clean, center the lid, screw on the band fingertip tight, and return the jars to the canner. Add water to cover by 2 inches, boil, and process for 10 minutes if you’re below 1,000 feet, adjusting time for higher spots.

5-Turn off the heat, carefully remove the lid, let it settle for 5 minutes, then take out the jars to cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours. Check the seals by pressing the lid centers they shouldn’t flex. If any don’t seal, refrigerate and use within a week. The total time is about 3 hours 30 minutes for prep, 10 minutes cooking, 10 minutes canning, and 3 hours 50 minutes overall, making it a rewarding project for busy folks.