Since I signed up for this class, which was right when it opened (almost a year ago?) I've really found a love for pickling. There has been no feedback from the instructor or much participation from students, which forced me to take my questions elsewhere in order to continue broadening my pickling horizons. I noticed some activity in the class and thought I'd give an update.

I quickly dropped the "refridgerator" pickle method and turned to sealing jars so I could pickle in large batches and insure a long shelf life. I've learned about sanitization and sealing jars (which isn't covered in this class) and about the different types of brines, flavors etc. I've experimented with tons of different vegetables and flavors, but ultimately concentrated on making the perfect pickle (which I think I've mastered!) and since then have canned jars of pickles, carrots, peppers, beans, mushrooms and onions which I bring to parties or give as gifts.

**UPDATE**

Surprisingly all of my pickle adventures turned out pretty tasty. Here's the verdict...

Asian Inspired Pickle: A little too salty. I assume the mixture of the soy sauce and the salt was a bit too much, so if I made them again I'd cut back on the salt. All in all they had a great flavor. 

Mojito Pickle: Everyone really liked these! They had a really fresh flavor with a great crunch. 

Spicy Mango: Sadly didn't inherit much flavor from the mango. The spicier the better for me, but the whole habanero kind of killed any other flavors in there. I liked the addition of the cilantro though. 

After all of those, I decided to create another batch in attempts to perfect the Mojito Pickle...along with some pickled red onion, brussel sprouts and radish from the farmers market.

Local Pickling Cucumbers

Mint

Habanero

Local Honey

Garlic

Lime

Vinegar

Water

Homemade Pickling Spice

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In attempts to come up with something original and yummy I went to store with one too many ideas in my head and left with no money and a variety of produce. Being notorious for never making up my mind I created a few different recipes in hopes that in the end, one tastes good. 

1. Asian Inspired Pickle

Ingredients:

Persian Cucumbers

Carrots

Jalapeno

Garlic

Lime Zest

Chives

Galangal

Salt

Soy Sauce

Sesame Oil

Mustard Seed

Black Pepper

Water

2. Mojito Pickle

Ingredients: 

Persian Cucumbers

Bell Pepper

Garlic

Lime Zest

Mint Leaves

Honey

Vinegar

Salt

Water

3. Spicy Mango

Ingredients:

Cucumbers

Mango

Habanero

Lime Zest

Honey

Cilantro

Galangal

Mustard Seed

Coriander

Vinegar

Water

4. The Standard Bean

Ingredients:

Green Beans

Carrots

Dill

Garlic

Jalapeno

Vinegar

Black Pepper

Water

These are mostly for snacking in case nothing else turns out good.

The Final Four