Spicy Zucchini Pickles

Yes, another zucchini recipe. Isn't that the way zucchini goes & goes & goes. I was tired of the traditional fritters and stuffed or sauteed zucchini.

There had to be more things to use them for.

Hey, how about pickles?

My mother used to buy these pickled green beans. They were not only sweet and sour, they were spicy!!

Wonderfully spicy. Can't stop eating them spicy.
Did I mention that I love spicy pickled anything?

You really should make these. The Nudge puts them on everything BBQ, especially hot dogs. Double Yum!! A perfect food for a diabetic. Go ahead, eat them all.

The great thing about these pickles is you don't have to "can" them. They will keep in the fridge for months (but they won't last that long, trust me).

Spicy Zucchini Pickles
makes one pint jar

* 1 cup white vinegar
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1 1/2 cup water
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 3/4 teaspoons red pepper flakes
* 1/2 tablespoon mustard seeds, yellow or black
* 1/2 tablespoon peppercorns, I used a tri-color blend
* 1/4 teaspoon ground fennel or 1 tsp whole fennel seed
* 4 garlic cloves sliced
* 2 bay leaves
* 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
* 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/4 teaspoon tumeric
* 3 1" round zucchini or yellow squash or a mix of both

1. In non-reactive saucepan (because of the acids), bring to a boil all the ingredients. Simmer for 3 minutes just to marry the flavors
2. Slice squashes into thin coins using either a mandolin or sharp knife. In an aluminum or glass bowl pour pickling liquid over squash slices. When cool, pour into glass containers and store in refrigerator for 1 month. Make sure liquid is covering vegetables. If not, just add some water. You can also can them using standard processing equipment and techniques for 15-20 minutes and store in a cool dark place for up to a year.
3. This marinade can be doubled or tripled to make as much as you need. 3 days is all you need to let them marinade but I can never wait and eat about half of them the next day. I have been know to even eat them the same night while watching a movie.