Cold pack Asparagus

[Richtee]

Since it seems Vlap's pickling book review fired everyone up, I often cold pickle/pack asparagus. Great for Bloodies or just munching.

Enough aspargus to pack a quart jar well
About a cup of white vinegar
about a cup of water
.25 cup sugar
.25 cup Kosher salt
a clove or two (if ya like them)
4 or so cloves garlic
a few green onions
1 quartered jalapeno, with seeds

Can add: Bay leaf, mustard seed, tarragon branch...whatever ya like

Clean garlic, asparagus and onions, cut off roots/woody ends, quarter pepper Blanch in boiling water about a min. or so, dump into cold water

Prepare brine by simmering the rest of ingredients then cool to "workable" temp

Pack jar with asparagus, garlic, pepper and a couple green onions and fill with warm brine. Chill immediately. Keep cold.

These will be ready in about 2 weeks or so.

[Slanted88]

Rich...I do like this recipe. Louie & I like our stinky pee. This is on the thing's to do!

[Bassman]

I've never used the jalapeno, but I have used dill and cayenne pepper. Otherwise, the recipe is similar. Good stuff!

[Richtee]

Heh...yep! One thing I should add..it tends to be on the "biting" side..so if you need more brine, add cooled boiled water to finish filling the jar. Or use a bit less vinegar and more water. The recipe ain't gotta be exact, of course.

[Richtee]

I've never used the jalapeno, but I have used dill and cayenne pepper. Otherwise, the recipe is similar. Good stuff!

Oh yeah DILL too if ya want... or cinnamon stick..or...LOL!

I do like a bit of heat tho.

[RowdyRay]

Interesting. Never tried it pickled.

Mom used to pickle veggies. Everything in there, but they were so hot none of us kids would touch them. Think she did it on purpose. Knew we'd leave them alone. Lol.

[Big Guy]

Thanks I'm going to have to try this one.

[lcruzen]

A quick question and i'm no expert on canning or pickling but instead of the blanching step could you just pack the jars with raw veggies and pour the bring in hot?

[SmokinLee]

Thats how we make our dill pickles. Cold pack the cuke's into hot jars and add what you want spice/seasoning wise, pour boiling hot brine in, wipe the jar rim and seal. Then you turn the jar upside down and set them on a towel till cool. they always seal. Been doin it this way for alot of years now and folks request the recipe alot.

A quick question and i'm no expert on canning or pickling but instead of the blanching step could you just pack the jars with raw veggies and pour the bring in hot?

[Richtee]

A quick question and i'm no expert on canning or pickling but instead of the blanching step could you just pack the jars with raw veggies and pour the bring in hot?

I suppose ya could do that, altho I think the blanch cold water thing might have something to do with color, or crispness? I dunno... any experts on this stuff? I'm just a hack :{)

[supervman]

Awesome!
Thanks Rich.

Gotta be makin this one :)

[Richtee]

A bump...I have noticed rather low asparagus prices lately?

[Fishawn]

Good Call Rich.... I think I paid $1.80 lb. last week! I might have to try this one, sounds good.

[moselle]

I suppose ya could do that, altho I think the blanch cold water thing might have something to do with color, or crispness? I dunno... any experts on this stuff? I'm just a hack :{)

Blanching slows or stops the action of enzymes. I would blanch then shock them in ice water. Then add the brine and into the fridge.

[GOT14U]

I just had a bloodie mary the other night with pickled asparagus in it...Oh man was it great. thanks !