Blue Ribbon Dill Pickles

Step 1

GET ALL OF THIS GOING BEFORE FILLING THE JARS.

Step 2

Wash 7 quart jars in hot, soapy water (or dishwasher), rinse and fill with hot water; set aside.

Step 3

Fill canning kettle half-full with hottest tap water; set on burner over high heat.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, fit lids and rings together, cover with water, bring to a simmer.

Step 5

In a large saucepan, bring water, vinegar and salt to boil; turn off the heat; set aside.

Step 6

FILL JARS: place a layer of dill at the bottom of each jar, along with one garlic clove (if used), then TIGHTLY load the cukes into the jar to the NECK of the jar (depending on size you may get two nice layers with a few small cukes in the top--)---squeeze cukes into the jar tightly--uniform size helps; add a few TINY spriglets of dill at the top, too, and another garlic clove if desired.

Step 7

Once jars are loaded, pour in the brine leaving half-inch head space in each jar.

Step 8

Add lid and ring to each jar, tightening evenly.

Step 9

Place jars into canner with water JUST to the necks of the jars.

Step 10

Bring water ALMOST to a boil (about 15 minutes--depending on how fast it heats up).

Step 11

Remove jars, set on a dish towel on the kitchen counter, cover with another dish towel & let cool.

Step 12

Check for seal (indented lid), label jars or lids, store in cool dark cellar or cupboard.

Step 13

NOTES: When washing/scrubbing cukes, sort them into piles by size. This really helps make your jars look nicer, if you have uniform sizes (and this impresses the judges too!). And makes for easier packing, too.