Rosa's Sweet Pickle. Recipe

Rosa's Sweet Pickle Recipe

History and Fun Facts:

Sweet pickles, also known as bread and butter pickles, have been enjoyed for centuries. The art of pickling fruits and vegetables dates back thousands of years as a means of preserving food. Over time, people refined this process and added various spices and flavors to enhance the taste of the pickles.

One such delightful recipe is Rosa's Sweet Pickle. Passed down through generations, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of peaches with a tangy vinegar brine and a perfect blend of spices. Rosa, a skilled home cook, created this recipe to capture the essence of summer and enjoy the delicious taste of pickles year-round.

Ingredients:
- 9 pounds of fresh peaches
- 3 pounds of sugar
- 3 quarts of good cider vinegar
- 18 cloves
- 1 tablespoon of whole allspice

Instructions:

1. Start by peeling the peaches. The easiest way to peel peaches is to gently lower them into boiling water for about 20-30 seconds, then transfer them immediately to an ice bath. The skins will easily slip off.
2. Once peeled, cut each peach in half and remove the pit. If desired, you can cut the halves into smaller slices.
3. In a large porcelain lined kettle, combine the peeled peaches, sugar, and cider vinegar.
4. Cook the mixture over medium heat for around five to ten minutes, stirring occasionally. The sugar should dissolve completely, creating a syrupy consistency.
5. While the mixture is cooking, you can prepare the spices. Take each peach half and gently insert two cloves. This will infuse the peaches with a subtle spice flavor.
6. Once the sugar has dissolved, carefully add the spiced peaches to the kettle.
7. Sprinkle in the whole allspice, which adds a warm and aromatic note to the pickles.
8. Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat for another 15-20 minutes. This will ensure that the flavors meld together and the peaches absorb the syrup.
9. Remove the kettle from the heat and let the pickles cool to room temperature.
10. Transfer the sweet and tangy pickles, along with the syrup, into sterilized mason jars. Remember to leave about half an inch of headspace at the top.
11. Seal the jars tightly and store them in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks or up to a year, allowing the flavors to develop over time.
12. Once opened, keep the jars refrigerated.

Enjoying Rosa's Sweet Pickle:

Rosa's Sweet Pickle is a versatile and delicious condiment that can complement both savory and sweet dishes. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

1. Sandwiches: Add a few slices of Rosa's Sweet Pickle to your sandwiches for a burst of flavor and a delightful crunch. They pair exceptionally well with ham, turkey, or even grilled cheese sandwiches.

2. Cheese and Charcuterie Boards: Arrange Rosa's Sweet Pickles alongside an assortment of cheeses and cured meats for an eye-catching and tasty appetizer.

3. Salad Toppings: Chop the pickles into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over a green salad or potato salad for an extra layer of sweetness and tanginess.

4. Grilled Meats: Use Rosa's Sweet Pickle as a glaze on grilled chicken or pork. The pickles' caramelized sugars will add a lovely glaze and a touch of sweetness.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

If you enjoy Rosa's Sweet Pickle, you might also appreciate these similar recipe dishes:

- Bread and Butter Pickles: A classic sweet pickle recipe that typically includes sliced cucumbers along with onions and spices.
- Pickled Beets: A tangy and earthy pickle made from beets, often infused with vinegar, sugar, and spices.
- Sweet Pickled Watermelon Rind: A Southern favorite, this unique pickle uses the rind of watermelon and is sweetened with sugar and spiced with cinnamon and cloves.

Remember, making pickles is a creative process, and you can always experiment with the recipe by adding your favorite spices or adjusting the sweetness to your liking. Enjoy the delightful flavors of Rosa's Sweet Pickle and share this family recipe with your loved ones!