Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Pickle

FABULOUS CAJUN PICKLES
This spicy recipe comes from the Pickle People, wholesalers in Long Island, N.Y.

8 cups cold water

1/2 cup kosher salt

2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

2 teaspoons pickling spice

1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian herb seasoning

3/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

8 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

50 small kirby pickling cucumbers (about 4 pounds), each about the size of an index finger, well scrubbed

10 cherry peppers, quartered (we left this out)

2 jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced (don't seed)

1/4 large sweet white onion, thinly sliced

4 clean quart jars (or 8 pint jars) with lids andbands

In 2-quart measuring cup, measure water. Stir in salt, vinegar and seasonings until salt is dissolved. Stir in garlic.

Pack cucumbers and equal parts cherry peppers, jalapenos and onion into jars. Ladle in spiced brine, covering vegetables. Screw on lids and let pickles ferment at cool room temperature for 3 days. Refrigerate another 5 days, and they are ready to eat. They will keep up to 3 months, refrigerated.

Makes about 4 quarts.