Grandma's Homemade Dill Pickles

I started making pickles homemade, because my kids have an allergy to all food dye.  If you have ever read the labels of store boughten pickles then you know that they all have dye in them.  Clausen pickles are the only ones that I have found that do not, but they are so expensive.  It was tragic for my kids because they absolutely LOVE pickles.  So we came up with an all natural solution that made everyone happy.

Step 1 Getting started.

This recipe will yield approximately 8 to 10 quarts.

First, you need to gather your ingredients, jars, lids, Boiling-Water canning pot, and any other canning tools that you may need.

To prepare your jars: 
Wash your jars and rings in HOT soapy water.  Then dry them and set them off to the side.  Put your lids in a small sauce pan and slowly bring them to a gentle boil.  Let them continually boil gently until you are ready to use them. 

Gathering ingredients: 
3 quarts of Water
1 quart of Vinegar
3 teaspoons of Alum
3/4 cup pickling/canning salt
Fresh Dill
Fresh Garlic

Then, fill your boiling-water canning pot about 2/3 of the way full and start water coming to a boil.

Comments

[jaxofalltrades]

I am very picky and only like clausen, how would you say these compare in the flavor? I might have to try them!

[jbfrogger7]

Yes, I do agree. Clausen pickles are good pickles. But I have 5 kids and with as much as they like pickles it would get too expensive for me to keep buying them. This way allows me to grow my own cucumbers, dill and garlic. Plus I know what is in them, and that they aren't getting the dye. I believe that my kids think that pickles are in there own food group or something.....lol

[jserkes]

However, Clausens are pretty darn good.

[sunshiine]

Clausen pickles would never compare to these home made babies! Thanks for sharing.