Thursday, October 16, 2008

DILLY BEANS


Pack raw beans into clean sterilized quart jars. Add one clove of garlic and a whole head of dill and some of the stem--or simmer chopped dill in brine for 20 minutes, strain. Add brine to 1/4th inch of top, clean rim of jar with damp paper towel. Put on lid that has been simmering in water for five or more minutes, add ring. Put in steam canner--or hot water bath. As soon as steam reaches six inches from the two holes in the side of the lid--or water in canner returns to a boil--start timing and remove after 12-18 minutes. 12 for smaller beans, 18 for large ones.
Note: I put jars upside down as soon as they come out of the canner and leave until they are cool. It's a neurotic thing to do but I do it anyway because I'm always afraid the seal will not actually seal.
Brine:
3 quarts apple cider vinegar
3 quarts water
1/2 pickling salt