Let’s talk about how to pickle & can vegetables. I always like to have a hostess gift for holiday events. Whether it’s an invite to a late-fall dinner, spur of the moment cocktails and bonfire, or when staying with family and friends on a road to somewhere. I grew up being told that you brought a small gift if someone was throwing a larger get-together, if they were accommodating you i.e you were staying the night, or just because! It doesn’t need to be fancy, or expensive, and it’s usually just the thought that counts.
*first published Sept 16 2016
Check out my other fall hostess & entertaining ideas for some inspiration
Grab the tutorial for my custom canning jar labels
In the past I’ve done small grab bags of cookies or jam, but this year I wanted something a little more colourful, something that would remind us of the last days of summer when we’re savouring them as the temperature drops.
Choosing Vegetables to Pickle
I’ve opted to do green beans, carrots, radishes, beets, field cucumber, red onion, and a medley. They’re fresh, local, and available from the great big farms in the area so I get to support local.
What you need to pickle vegetables
- Glass jars – available everywhere from the hardware store to the thrift store. Prices may vary
- Lids, for said jars
- green beans, carrots, radishes, beets, field cucumber & red onion – all should be fresh and still have a snap to them.
- White vinegar
- Two bunches of fresh dill
- Star of annis, whole allspice, pickling spice mix (available at local bulk barn – otherwise you can google a mix!)
- Per 4 large jars: 2 cups of vinegar, 2 cups of water, 2 tbsp of kosher salt, 5 tbsp of sugar
How to Prep Vegetables for Pickling
Trim all the vegetables after giving them a thorough wash.
Put dill and pickling spice mix seed into each jar and then pack or layer the vegetables into the jar, adding more pickling spice as needed.
Making Pickling Solution
Bring water, vinegar, salt, sugar to a boil. Reduce to simmer for 3 minutes. Pour the brine into each jar, leaving 1cm at the top of the jar.
Let cool on the counter before closing with lids and refrigerating or placing in cool cellar. These are best enjoyed after 12hrs, but get better with a few extra days.
** This recipe lasts up to 3 weeks – so start giving ’em away like hot cakes!
Make sure you check out my tutorial on how to make labels for your canning jars and lids using your Cricut.
Oh my gosh! You have no idea how much I love pickled veggies! I don’t do as many as you have here, but I’m intrigued to try some of these out.
The beets and star of annis are perfect! I’ve only just samples some now, and the mix is out of this world. A must for any future pickling plans!
Pickled veggies are my fave! This looks so good!
They’re quite tasty! Definitely worth it. And with the vinyl it’s easy to get the labels
I’ll send you some! 😉
Great idea! We have a good sized garden and it’s so hard to predict so we have the odd leftovers and I am not sure what to do with them. I was begging people to take butternut squash this year, lol. Thank you for the cute tops. Pinning. This seems so sweet for a hostess gift.
You need to pickle those bad boys! And if you can them, they’ll last forever!
What a great idea. My dad loves canning and pickling, but I’ve never tried it. What a great idea for a gift! Pinning!
It’s dead easy! You could totally do it in an afternoon!
This is a great and unique gift! Also, they are so pretty with all of those colors. I love labeling everything!
This is actually my first attempt at labelling things! Before the Cricut I could never get the lettering right, or make anything look “pretty.” I love how these turned out for sure!
I’ve never pickled veggies before, but I’m pretty sure the Husband loves them. Mine would definitely not be this cute looking though!
Pickled veggies are silly easy! You’d be surprised! But thank you for the compliment 🙂
I’ve only ever made actual pickles not all the other fall veggies. Pinned to try. And I love the labels you made for the top. So much better than my chicken scratch.
It’s the same principle! Just think of fun spice pairings for your favourite veggies and you’re good to go! The labels were such a fun idea, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of it before!
Totally stealing this idea! Your labeling takes it up a notch too, so cool.
Yes! Please do! It’s a great idea! I would be thrilled if someone handed me pickled veggies this fall.
This post is absolutely beautiful all the vibrant colour. This would be a much appreciated hostess gift. I have not heard of canned radishes. Interesting.
hey! if there’s a will, there’s a way right?
I figured they would be tasty!
What a great idea! I love the leaves and the lids, it adds such a special touch!
Thanks Marjan! I think the lids are the best part 😉
This is so cool. I was not even aware that Cricut could cut vinyl these days. I have been out of the loop much too long. The pickled veggies sound pretty yummy and really are fun to view through the glass jars.
See, I’ve only known Cricut as a vinyl cutter hahaha the times have changed eh?
Thank you! I was definitely pleased with how it all turned out.