Quickie Pickle

Happy long weekend! Any exciting plans? I already feel quite accomplished in my long weekend...an afternoon nap has been had as well as an afternoon nap snack. Does anyone know what I mean? The snack you have after a nap is always the best one. I have fond memories of being at the cabin, napping and then waking up to an assortment of snacks. Those snacks were always the most delicious!

My afternoon nap snack of choice today (and most snacks this week) involved zucchini pickles. I had an abundance of zucchini in the fridge and found this simple recipe for refrigerator pickles that used sliced zucchini. They almost taste like a bread and butter pickle...but yummier! And easier too!
For those of you whom have an abundance of zucchini in your fridge too I highly recommend whipping up this recipe.
I've been eating them on crackers with cream cheese, on sandwiches and of course right out of the jar!



Zucchini Pickles
adapated from Heidi Swanson

3 medium zucchini, about 1 pound, thinly sliced
1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
1 1/2 tablespoons fine grain sea salt
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
1/2 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds
3/4 cup cider vinegar
3/4 white wine vinegar
1/3 cup sugar

Mix together the zucchini slices, onion and salt together in colander and place over a bowl to catch the liquids. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for a couple of hours, I did it over night. Stir the zucchini a few times along the way. When you are finished draining the zucchini, shake the colander to get rid of any extra liquid.
Place the zucchini in a 1 quart jar along with the chili flakes and mustard seeds.
Combine the vinegars and sugar in a small pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, and continue to simmer till the sugar is dissolved. Pour the vinegars/sugar over the zucchini and close up the jar. Let cool slightly and then put the jar in the fridge.
Even though it's probably a good idea to wait a couple days for the zucchini to get really good and pickle-y I was eating them the next day and they were delicious!
Enjoy!