Refrigerator Pickles 2 Ways

I plan to profile full-time country woman Becki Witter in the near future. Becki and her husband, John, own and operate Witter's Produce. This hard working couple is most known for their sweet corn, but they also grow a wide variety of vegetables on their 15 acres. Can you even imagine? 

I met Becki when she became a vendor at NorthSide Farmers Market in Galion. She is the creator and manager of  Bucyrus Lil' Farmers Market, and invited the NSFM vendors to join her market. I am now a regular vendor of BLFM and have become good friends with the Witters.

Last week Becki gave me this recipe for refrigerator pickles to share on NSFM's Facebook fan page. It is so quick and easy that I just have to share it with you all. 

I've seen packages of ice box pickle mixes in stores, and have even used them before. Becki's recipe works great, too, and the best part is that it is a huge money saver! 

And talk about serendipity: in yesterday's Galion Inquirer Noel (who is a regular guest blogger here at OCJ) published a similar recipe. They both are good ways to turn extra garden produce into delicious condiments, so I am sharing Noel's version, too. :)

I plan to make both versions, how about you? :)

Marcheta *in a pickle and lovin' it

Refrigerator Pickles

Becki Witter

6 cups sliced pickles (cucumbers)

1 cup bell pepper, sliced thin

1 cup onion, sliced thin

1 TBSP salt

1 tsp celery seed

1 cup vinegar (or 3/4 vinegar/1/4 water)

2 cups sugar

Mix together (in a glass jar) and refrigerate. Will keep for 1 year!

Refrigerator Pickles

Noel Lizotte

2 large cucumbers

1 medium onion

1/2 zucchini

3 cups white vinegar

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

1-2 tsp Pickling Spices

Put vinegar, water and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Place sliced cucumbers, onion  and zucchini in glass jars. Sprinkle 12 teaspoon spices into each jar. After the vinegar mixture has boiled for a minute  pour into jars over pickles. Allow to cool slightly on counter, then place lids on jars and cool completely. When jars are cool, place jars in fridge for three days. Pickles are ready to eat.

For fresh, home grown veggies, visit Becki's market stands:

NorthSide Farmers Market

Tuesday 4-6

@ KFC on St. Rt. 598 just north of Galion (near the U.S. Route 30 intersection) 

Bucyrus Lil' Farmers Market

Saturday morning 8:30 - Noon

@ Sears Parking Lot on Mansfield Street, just past the Walmart Plaza

For fresh, home grown recipe ideas, visit Noel's website:

www.apronfreecooking.com