Reagan's Super Dill Pickle Recipe!

For those looking to make a large amount of pickles this recipe is my favorite to this day. I've made these for large parties, picnics and gifting. This recipe provides enough for eight 1 quart jars-great for pickle lovers! This is also a great recipe where you could dill pickle a jar or two.

What you will need for this pickle recipe:

8 pounds of three to four inch long pickling cucumbers.

8 sprigs of fresh dill weed.

8 heads of fresh dill weed.

12 cups of fresh water.

4 cups of white vinegar.

2/3 cup of pickling salt

16 cloves of garlic-peeled and halved.

Preparation:

First-Wash the cucumbers and then place in a sink with cold water and ice cubes. Soak for two hours at least and no more than eight hours. Make sure you sterilize your canning jars. They must be 1 quart each and there must be eight of them. You can sterilize them by boiling them in water for at least ten minutes.

Next-Combine vinegar, water, and pickling salt in a large pot over a medium to high heat. This will be the brine, bring it to a rapid boil. While waiting for the brine to boil, drop in two half cloves of garlic, one head of dill, then fill the jar with cucumbers. Add two more garlic halves and one sprig of dill. Fill the jars with the hot brine. When sealing jars afterwards, make sure the jar's rims are cleaned of all residue.

Then, process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath. This should not take more than fifteen minutes. Try not to overdo it.

Finally, you are going to need to store the pickles for at least eight weeks before eating them. Definitely refrigerate after opening. These should be fine for up to two years if properly stored in a cool, dry place. Enjoy them! They're also great during those times when everyone you know is pregnant!

Other ideas of use for a large amount of pickles such as this would be gifting. Wrap up with pretty holiday wrapping paper and tie the paper on with beautiful ribbon. This is great for any pickle lover. And as always, a nice jar of homemade pickles makes a great gift for baby showers. Dill pickles are just right for any occasion! Pickle on!