Quick Sweet Cucumber Slices

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 pounds 3- to 4-inch pickling (kirby) cucumbers, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 2 TBSP pickling salt
• 2 1/4 cups sugar
• 3 1/2 cups cider vinegar (5%)
• 1/2 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
• 1 1/2 teaspoons whole allspice berries
• 1 TBSP whole yellow mustard seeds

Directions:

1. In a bowl, toss the sliced cucumbers with the salt. Empty an ice cube tray over the cucumbers. Let them stand at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours.
2. Drain the cucumbers, discarding any ice cubes that haven’t melted. Place the cucumbers into clean mason jars.
3. In a pot, bring to a boil the sugar, vinegar, and spices, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Let the mixture cool slightly, for approximately 15 minutes, before pouring the liquid over the cucumbers slices.
4. Let the cucumbers and brine cool before putting the lids on and placing the jars in the fridge.
5. Keep pickles refrigerated ~ they can be eaten as soon as the next day, but will become more flavorful after a few days!