Because I love beets, I love celeriac and I love to pickle things…. And I love hearts. And Valentines Day is just around the corner so I though it appropriate to share these little darlings with you because even if you are not a fan of pickled beets or celeriac, you have to admit that these are just the cutest pickles you have ever seen. I have made a batch, sitting in the fridge, awaiting some sweet little dinner date that me and the mister will have come Valentines day. Or not, we might just eat them all before hand… because everyday is like Valentines day for us! (blah, barf, but awe, we are so cute!)
This is my basic pickling recipe….I figured you will want to pickle everything and anything once you realize (if you haven't already) how amazing pickled everything is! And how easy it is to do it yourself.
My Pickling method…...
- Choose the jar that the pickles will live in
- Prepare and pack the stuff that is going to be pickled into the jar… leave about and inch of head space
- Fill the jar to the top with a half water and half vinegar solution (I usually use apple cider vinegar because I think it adds a bit of sweetness.. I don't like to pickle with sugar)
- If going for a crispy pickle (like green beans or crunchy carrots)…. strain liquid into a pot with a teaspoon of salt per cup of liquid and any spices* that you want to use and bring to a boil Add back to jar
- If going for a more tender pickle (like beets or celeriac), dump the liquid and the veggies into a pot with a teaspoon of salt per cup of liquid and any spices* you want to use. Bring to a boil for a few minutes, then remove and replace back into jar.
- Place lid and stick in fridge for at least a day….(I alway cheat and end up taking a bite within the first few hours) The flavor only gets better after being in the fridge for a couple of days.
*You can spice your pickles anyway you see fit…. I like to use peppercorns, garlic, mustard seeds, celery seeds red pepper flakes. Or for a little sweeter and more fragrant pickle, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods or star anise…the possibilities are endless.
Pickles are usually good for about a month, but I have never been able to keep them that long!
A little about these specific pickles…...
I used one medium celeriac root, and 2 small beets. Sliced about a 1/4 inch thick and then used a cookie cutter to make the hearts. The chosen vinegar was apple cider, and yeah ,you must pickle both the inner and outer hearts….don't waste the outer heart! And the spices I used were black mustard seed and peppercorns.
And they be amazing!!!!
Have a Fantastic Weekend!! Hopefully full of warm weather, fluffy clouds, and lots of pickles!
-C
Start with the base layer of kale… then first goes the sliced onion. (Make sure it's thinly sliced or else it will be to overpowering)
Add thinly sliced oranges…oh boy, your half way there!!!
Top with thinly sliced avocado, a sprinkle of salt and drizzle with lime juice. I also served with an extra wedge of lime, there is never too much lime.