Season: July to September. This is a wonderful way to use up an abundance of cucumbers, be they long and uniform green, or the short, knobbly-skinned type. It’s also very quick and easy to make if you use a food processor. This is not a true preserve, as the cucumbers are not brined and the pickle is very light, but it will keep well in the fridge for a couple of weeks in a sealed container. I love this sweet condiment with all manner of salads and in sandwiches, but it’s especially delectable with hot-smoked trout or salmon.

　　

Ingredients

makes two 12-ounce jars

　　2 1/4 pounds cucumbers

　　3 small onions, red or white

　　1 tablespoon chopped dill (optional)

　　1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

　　1 tablespoon salt

　　3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

　　

Step 1

Using the slicing blade of a food processor or a very sharp knife, very finely slice the cucumbers. Peel the onions and slice them very thinly. Combine the cucumbers, onions, and dill, if using, in a large bowl.

　　

Step 2

Mix the sugar, salt, and vinegar and pour over the cucumbers and onions. Let stand overnight for the sweet and sour flavors to mix and mingle or, if this isn’t possible, let stand for at least 3 hours before serving. Pack into a large airtight container or wide-necked jam jars. Store in the fridge and use within 2 weeks.

　　

VARIATION

Step 3

Creamy-white English winter celery makes a lovely sweet pickle, or you can use the more common green celery. Follow the recipe above, replacing the cucumber with 2 1/4 pounds of celery. Run a potato peeler lightly down the stalks to remove any tough ribs, then cut into sticks about 1 1/2 inches long (for crudités or dips) or chop into 1/2-to 3/4-inch chunks. Use sweet, mild red onions and season the pickle with celery salt and 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds. As celery does not contain as much water as cucumber, add 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water to the vinegar and sugar mixture.

　　The River Cottage Preserves Handbook by Pam Corbin.Pam Corbin has been making preserves for as long as she can remember, and for more than twenty years her passion has been her business. Pam and her husband, Hugh, moved to Devon where they bought an old pig farm and converted it into a small jam factory. Using only wholesome, seasonal ingredients, their products soon became firm favorites with jam-lovers the world over. Pam has now hung up her professional wooden spoon but continues to "jam" at home. She also works closely with the River Cottage team, making seasonal goodies using fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers from her own garden, and from the fields and hedgerows.