Meatless Monday! Pickles and Beets!

So this really isn't a meatless meal, per se (although it could be). These are the homemade gifts I made for Christmas this year. This is the second year I've made the pickles and had many requests for more. It was my first attempt at the beets and they turned out really good.

Easy Refrigerator Pickles (from Cooking Light)

6 C. Thinly sliced cucumbers (Kerby)
2 C. Thinly sliced onion
1 1 /2 C. White vinegar
1 C. Sugar
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. mustard seed
1/2 tsp celery seed
1/2 tsp. ground turmeric

Place half the cucumbers in a large bowl, and top with half the onion. Repeat procedure with remaining cukes and onions.

Combine vinegar and remaining ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook for 1 minute. Pour over cucumber mixture; let cool. Cover and marinate in frig for 4 days.

Pickles can be stored in frig for up to 1 month.



Easy Pickled Beets (also from Cooking Light)

1 pound small beets (about 7 beets)
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
2 bay leaves

Preparation

1. Leave root and 1-inch stem on beets; scrub with a brush. Place in a medium saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 45 minutes or until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain. Cool slightly. Trim off beet roots; rub off skins. Thinly slice beets; place in a large bowl.

2. Combine vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in salt, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Pour vinegar mixture over beets; cover and chill. Discard bay leaves.

I thought this made a lovely, festive, red and green, Christmas gift. I love having something homemade like this to give to those who "have everything" or to have on hand to pass to neighbors and teachers. No packaging or wrapping paper required! That's a plus.

I've been away from the blog for more than a week. I have some catching up to do. Stay tuned for some cute little gift card holders I made and also my sweater update.....pretty excited about that one!