Easy Sweet & Spicy Refrigerator Dill Pickels

If you are looking for an easy way to use up those cucumbers (and fresh dill) coming out of your garden, try this simple recipe for Sweet & Spicy Refrigerator Dill Pickles.  

Ingredients:
6 pickling cucumbers 
2 cups water
1 3/4 cups distilled white vinegar
1 cup packed, coarsely chopped fresh dill
1/2 cup sugar
8 cloves garlic, halved
1 1/2 tablespoons coarse salt
2 tablespoons pickling spice mix*
1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes (more or less depending on your desired spiciness level)

*Some grocery stores do not carry pickling spice, so if you cannot find it, substitute for 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dill seeds, 1 teaspoon whole black pepper corns, and 1 teaspoon caraway seeds.

Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients, except dill, in a large bowl. Let stand at room temperature for about 2 hours or until the sugar and salt dissolve. 

2. Quarter each cucumber into spears and then place in wide-mouth jars. You will need about 3 jars depending on the size of your cucumbers and the sizes of your jars. 

3. Pour vinegar/spice pickling mixture evenly into each jar. 

4. Cover jars with lids and close tightly. Refrigerate for 2 weeks. These will stay fresh for 1 additional month following the 2 week 'pickling time'.  

Keep refrigerated and enjoy!
~Billie