Bread and Butter Pickles are a late summer favorite at our house. It is such a great way to use those cucumbers that are just a bit too big to make crisp dills. I love the mixture of cucumber, onion, and the slightly sweet spices. I tried to find the origin of the name, and one source suggested they were named this because they could be served alone with bread and butter because of the mix of cucumbers and onions. These pickles have been served in our family since I was old enough to remember my grandmothers serving them. My mom makes a refrigerator version.
Bread and Butter Pickles4 pounds cucumbers, cut in slices
2 pounds onions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup canning salt
2 cups sugar ( Splenda works fine)
2 TB mustard seed
2 tps. celery seed
2 tps. pickling spice mix
3 cups vinegar
Combine cucumber and onion slices in a large bowl. Layer vegetables with salt; cover with ice cubes. Let stand 1 ½ hours. Drain; rinse; drain again. Combine remaining ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Add drained cucumbers and onions and return to a boil. Pack hot pickles and liquid in hot jars, leaving ¼-inch head space. Remove air bubbles. Adjust two-piece caps. Process 10 minutes in a boiling water canner. Yield: about 7 pints
