Maple Bread & Butter Cucumbers Recipe

These cucumbers may look simple, but a unique blend of brine and spice brings a twist to otherwise traditional pickle slices.

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Ingredients

  • Maple Brine recipe (below)
  • 1 tablespoon Bread & Butter Spice Mix (below)
  • 1-1/2 pounds pickling cucumbers, blossom ends removed, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

Directions

  • Combine the brine and spice mix in a medium-sized stainless steel pot, and bring it to a simmer.
  • Pack the cucumber slices into clean, hot jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace. Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, using a canning funnel and staying mindful of the head-space.
  • Remove any air bubbles. Wipe jar rims, and apply lids and rings. Process in a water bath canner or steam canner for 15 minutes. Cool and check jars for lid seal.
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No need to be limited in this recipe: If you prefer sugar to maple, go for it! Try brown sugar. Whisky or bourbon would also add unique depth to the brine.

Yields 2 pints.


Maple Brine Recipe

Brines have an optimal balance of acids to keep preserved pickles safe while also preventing the sourness from overpowering the fresh produce and seasonings. Use a vinegar of at least 5 percent acidity. If you like a stronger tang, replace up to 1/2 cup of the water with more vinegar. If you prefer less of a bite to your pickle, you can safely add a sweetener; start with 1 to 2 tablespoons to take the edge off. To prepare this brine, simply bring the ingredients to a simmer before use. It makes enough brine for one quart jar or two pint jars.

Replace up to 1/2 cup of the water with apple cider, beer, or hard cider, if preferred. If you’d like to add some rum, whiskey, or bourbon, substitute no more than 1/4 cup of the water with alcohol.

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