Discover the Secret of the Christmas Pickles
Unveiling a 50-Year-Old Holiday Tradition
Discover the charm and wonder of our one-of-a-kind Christmas Pickles, a beloved recipe brought to life for your holiday table. These pickles offer a “magical crunch” and a fragrant, spicy Christmas aroma that’s truly unmatched. There’s nothing else like them on the market, with their perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. They’re an ideal addition to any charcuterie board.
The Story Behind Our Christmas Pickles
For more than fifty years, the Christmas pickle recipe was a well-kept secret, lovingly handed down through generations. It all started with a special client of my sister, who entrusted her with this unique recipe, sealed with a promise of secrecy until her passing. Although the original recipe was lost over time, we’ve created our own version, preserving the spirit and nostalgia of the original to share with families everywhere.
Christmas Pickle Recipe
Prep
Preparation Time: 1/2 hour
Cook
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total
Total Time: 36 hours
Serves
Servings: 100
Overview
Our Christmas Pickles are a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday meals. They are a wonderful addition to charcuterie boards. We love them in potato salad, cheese sandwiches and on hamburgers. Adapted from a secret recipe, that was lost, but remembered. (We had the recipe, but it faded so much that it couldn’t be read.)
Instructions
Step 1
(1st day) Drain pickles and slice into 1/4 inch pieces. Return sliced pickles back into the jar and add 2 cups sugar (Alternating layers of pickles and sugar.) Put the lid back on the jar, shake to distribute sugar and allow to stand at room temperature 6 to 8 hours, or overnight.
Step 2
(2nd day) Drain the liquid from the pickle jar into a medium saucepan. Add the remaining 2 cups of sugar, vinegar, water and pickling spice. Bring to a boil. Pour over the pickles and put the lid on the jar. Allow the mixture to stand at room temperature 6 to 8 hours, or overnight.
Step 3
(3rd day) Repeat Step 2.
Step 4
(4th day) Repeat Step 2/3 again, with the difference being that you add in 2 cinnamon sticks and 10 whole cloves after you pour the mixture back in the jar of pickles.
Step 5
If you are happy with the cinnamon/clove flavor, then transfer the pickles to sterile jars and store in the refrigerator. If the cinnamon/clove flavor is too strong, remove some of the spices from the pickle jar. Serve chilled.
Ingredients
- 1 (80 ounce) whole dill pickles
- 4 cups white sugar (divided in two)
- ½ cup distilled white vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon pickling spice
- 2 whole pieces of cinnamon bark
- 10 whole cloves (or more)
Pickling Tips and Tricks
Mastering the Art of Christmas Pickles
Crafting the perfect Christmas pickle is all about balancing tradition with a touch of creativity. Start with a 80-ounce jar of whole dill pickles from your local store. We prefer whole pickles because they shrink quite a bit during the marinating process. If you slice them about 1/4-inch thick, they’ll be just the right size for enjoying. For the brine, use whole cinnamon bark and cloves to infuse a festive Christmas aroma that’s delightful year-round. You can even add a Christmas bow and a fun label for a charming touch.
The tradition of “Christmas pickles” began a long time ago and were only made during the holiday season as gifts for friends and neighbors. They looked forward to them every year, as long as they returned the jar! Be sure to sterilize your jars to keep everything fresh, and store them in a cool, dark place to allow the flavors to develop fully. Feel free to experiment with different types of vinegar, like apple cider or white wine, to find your perfect flavor. Patience is key — let them marinate for at least two weeks before you dive in. Once your pickles reach the ideal taste, you may want to remove the cinnamon and cloves, as the flavor intensifies the longer they sit. Enjoy them however you like!
A Visual Feast of Festive Pickles
Christmas Pickles in the Making
Discover the Delight of Christmas Pickles!
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