Sweet Pickle Relish

6 to 8 cups chopped pickling cucumbers – about 3 to 4 pounds medium size pickling cukes
2 cups finely chopped onions  ( 2 to 3 medium onions)
3 tablespoons pickling salt or kosher salt
2 to 3 quarts ice cold water with ice cubes
1 1/2 to 3 cups granulated sugar (depending on how sweet you like your relish)
2 cups cider vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons mustard seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons celery seeds

In a large bowl, layer the chopped cucumbers, chopped onions, and salt. Add enough cold water (with ice cubes ) to completely cover the vegetables.  Cover and let stand at room temperature for two hours.

Drain the vegetables in a large fine-mesh sieve or colander lined with a single layer of cheesecloth. Rinse well and drain again, pressing out the excess liquid.

In a 6 to 8 quart stainless steel pot, combine the sugar, vinegar, mustard seeds, and celery seeds.  Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely;y dissolved, about 5 minutes.

Add the drained vegetable to the syrup and return to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat. Ladle into Prepared sterilized hot print jars, leaving about 1/1 inch head space. Remove any air bubbles. Wipe jar rims and threads with a clean damp cloth. Apply hot lids and screw bands.

It you are simple stashing the relish in the fridge, refrigerate the jars of relish for up to a few weeks. If you are properly canning the pickle relish, process 8 ounce jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes, and process pints for 15 minutes. Remove from the water bath canner and let cool for 12 to 24 hours. Check seals and remove the screw bands. Store in a cool, dry, dark place for up to 1 year.

This sweet pickle relish, made with cucumbers, sugar, onion, spices, cider vinegar is perfect for hamburgers and hot dogs, potato salad and any thing else. Makes 8 half pint jars of relish.  No need to buy the relish from the store if you make this recipe.

Made August 2020
Reference: Heinz Pickling Booklet – in pdf format in archive