Make a Side Dish to Savor: Cider-Spiked Pickles

To celebrate the launch of the United States Association of Cider Makers’ #PickCider campaign, all this week we’ll be highlighting some of the USACM’s most cider-erific recipes. Yesterday we shared a not-so-secret cider BBQ sauce recipe. Today it’s time for pickles to take the spotlight.

You’re sure to be the hit of the party when you tote these pickles along to your next summertime event. The recipe is simple, too, so you don’t have to be a pickling pro to tackle it.

This versatile recipe goes beyond the cucumber: Infuse the brine with green beans, cauliflower, zucchini or squash. These spiked pickles are a natural for a cheese and charcuterie board, but don’t stop there. Dice them up and make a cider relish for hot dogs, sausages and burgers, or throw them on the barbeque for a roasty condiment.

Cider-Spiked Pickles Recipe

Makes two 16-oz. jars

Ingredients

  • 1 cup apple cider or distilled vinegar
  • 1½ tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1 cup hard cider
  • 2 pounds pickling cucumbers, sliced in half or quartered
  • 5 sprigs fresh dill

Method

  1. In a pot over medium-high heat, add the vinegar, sugar, salt and peppercorns. Bring to a simmer, stirring just until the sugar and salt dissolve. Remove from heat.
  2. Stir in the hard cider. Allow the brine to sit until it cools to room temperature.
  3. Place the cucumbers in canning jars. Add a few sprigs of dill (to taste).
  4. Pour the cooled brine over the cucumbers, making sure all slices are submerged. Chill for at least 24 hours before serving.
  • Custom recipe development and photography: Dish Works
Posted in