Sweet Pickles

Today my great-grandmother's sweet pickles... which I now make... were featured on Life in the Slow Lane at Squirrel Head Manor and submitted to Two for Tuesdays (on girlchef). Thanks, Tina!

Check out Tina's article below and also go to her site for fabulous recipes!


Brownie’s Sweet Pickles for 2-for-Tuesday

Pierce

Do I have your attention with this photo? Would you be thinking, "Seriously...she's eating deviled eggs and washing them down with wine and is trying to pass this all off for the Real Food theme?!"



Don't be too quick to judge because I have a very nice story for you and yes, it's about Real Food.

Let me take you back in time for Two for Tuesdays. Years before blogging, computers, convenience foods……….back to a time when great grandmother grew many of the vegetables she used to nourish her family.

What you see here is not just a jar of homemade sweet pickles.



You are also looking at a legacy; a tradition brought alive by a young woman named Celia who brings the sweet memories of her childhood into tangible new memories for her husband and son. The young lady has duplicated her great grandma’s recipe. Now I know I would rather eat a pickle from a hand made traditional recipe instead of one from that smart-ass stork with the Brooklyn accent, peddling Vlasic pickles.

A short story: Celia’s great grandmother “Brownie” grew cucumbers and from some of those cukes, she made sweet pickles. From what I’ve been told, the great grandmother was a phenomenal cook but the pickles really stood out as a specialty. When she died five years ago, the homemade jarred gifts from her kitchen were missed by her family (as was great grandmother, obviously).



Celia figured out the correct ratio of ingredients and duplicated Brownie’s recipe. Sharing them with family, watching them enjoy something from their past that brought pleasure to the palate as well as reviving memories of a loved one …… I can’t think of a finer tribute.

I have enjoyed them right from the jar ........


but I also used them in deviled eggs and found them to be a very complimentary addition.



No need to post a recipe for deviled eggs...you know it; just mix the mayo with the yolks, salt and pepper, a pinch of garlic powder....mince some homemade pickle and there you have it! I added a bit of shredded cheddar and smoked paprika. (Well look, I gave the "recipe" anyway)




Oh, and why are these pickles called Brownie’s? I was told this was the nick-name Celia’s great-grandfather called his wife. I think great-grandmother “Brownie” would be mighty pleased to know her sweet pickles are enjoyed by so many people.

This humble offering is basic real food (our theme at 2 –for-Tuesday) and since I had the pleasure of trying these homemade beauties, I had to share. If you are a sweet pickle fan, I highly recommend them. You're in for a treat!

By the way, these pickles are available for purchase locally in the Tallahassee and Southern Georgia area or through through the mail. Just order via this address:

BrowniesSweetPickles@yahoo.com

Cheers to real food and keeping traditions alive!