Refridgerator pickles

Today is the day! We're about to open the jar of pickles in the fridge! They've been in there for a week. I was hoping that we would get an idea for how they would taste.

Turns out they weren't hot at all. When I sliced the jalapenos they were so hot that I left the seeds out when I put them in the jar.  Next time I'll leave the seeds in, that should bump it up a notch.

Smells good

They were also not very crispy.  Some were, some weren't.  Next round I want to do a better ice bath.  I'll buy a bag of ice and do it for 4 hours instead of only 2.  I still haven't been able to find fresh grape leaves.  The search continues.

I think I will also wait to cut the cucumbers till after the 10 hour brine bath.  I'll cut them right before I put them in the jar.  I think that might assist the crispness. 

Pickles and Open-Face Heirloom Tomato Sandwiches for lunch

Over all the flavor I got from these pickles was vinegar.  I tasted a little dill but not enough.  I want more flavor in my pickles so next time I'll try adding more garlic and spices.  I want to avoid using the packets of dill pickle flavoring, but I may use it as a reference for more spices I can add to make the pickles more flavorful.  I'm also going to use Pickling Dill instead of Baby Dill.  I think that will make a big difference. 

Tomorrow is the farmer's market, so we'll go and try again with a small batch.  I still have a jar in the closet that we will open the day before my birthday.  Hopefully those will have some more flavor than the ones that were only marinated for a week. 

Overall however...I made Pickles!!!!!  So that is a success.  Now I just have to find the right mix of spices to make these pickles MY pickles.

Wish me luck!  Round 2 begins tomorrow!!!