cooking essentials: andy’s devine pickle brine
Pickle brine is not just for making pickles; although, it makes some great pickles.
I make batches of this stuff, then freeze and use it in so many applications. From the kitchen to the garden.
So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.
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yield
serving(s)
prep time
10 Min
cook time
15 Min
method
Stove Top
Ingredients For cooking essentials: andy’s devine pickle brine
- PLAN/PURCHASE
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1 capple-cider vinegar
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1 cfiltered water
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2 Tbspdill seed
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1 Tbspsalt, kosher variety, medium grind
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1 Tbspmustard seeds
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1 tspcaraway seeds
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1/2 tspred pepper flakes
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1/2 tspginger powder
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1 lgbay leaf, crumbled
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4 - 5allspice berries
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4 - 5black peppercorns
- OPTIONAL ITEMS
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1 Tbsplemon zest
How To Make cooking essentials: andy’s devine pickle brine
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1PREP/PREPARE
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2Storage of Homemade Condiments, Spices, and Brines
Because homemade spices and condiments do not contain any preservatives, it is important to store them properly. Non-reactive (glass) containers with tight-fitting lids are a must. If I am making a dry spice, I love to use old spice bottles that I have run through the dishwasher.
If I am doing homemade sauces, I love using Weck jars. They are all glass, come in all sizes and shapes, and have excellent leakproof lids. If you shop online, you can go to Amazon, and type in “Weck Jars” and you will find a ton of them.
Dry spices should be kept in a cool space, away from sunlight (spice cabinet), and sauces/brines, in most cases, should be stored in the fridge.
If properly stored in the fridge, this brine should last 7 – 10 days.
If stored in the freezer, like frozen in an ice cube tray, it should last several months. -
3Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
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4Add the brine ingredients to a saucepan, over medium heat.
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5Simmer the ingredients (not boil) for about 15 minutes.
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6Remove from the heat and rest for about an hour or two.
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7Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, into non-reactive containers, and store in fridge or freezer until needed.
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8PLATE/PRESENT
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9Here are some ideas on how to use Pickle Brine:
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10Make Dill Pickles
Well, it is a dill brine after all.
Deviled Eggs
Mix into potato salad, tuna salad, chicken salad, or macaroni salad to add moisture and a flavor boost.
Sauces and Dressings.
Replace some of the vinegar in a salad dressing, dress slaw with it, and tartar sauce could always use some.
Brine Chicken or Pork
Drizzle it on grilled fish. Marinate beef with it. Pickle juice tenderizes meat in a yummy, tasteful way.
Boil Whole Potatoes
It seasons them nicely but the acid in the juice keeps the surfaces intact over a longer simmer, while the insides gets nice and creamy.
Pickle Pops
Freeze the juice in ice cube trays (which can go into a Bloody Mary) or popsicle molds.
Drink It Straight, or On The Rocks
Sipping a cold PJ after a long run, or just on a hot day, or when hungover is an effective way to replace lost electrolytes and sodium.
Throw It into a Bloody Mary
Take a shot of pickle juice after a shot of whiskey. Picklebacks! Nothing de-whiskies the mouth like that salty, briny green juice.
Kick up Store-Bought BBQ Sauce
Liven it up by adding pickle juice to taste by the tablespoonful.
Mac & Cheese
Macaroni & cheese benefit from a dash of pickle juice.
Kick Up Gazpacho
Use it in place of vinegar in gazpacho (or anything, really).
Use Over Fish
If your fish or veggies need a lift, drizzle a bit of the brine over them.
Poach Fish
An easy and flavorful way to poach fish? Use pickle brine.
Add a Bit to Meatloaf
As if your meatloaf recipe didn't have enough condiments in it already, throw some pickle juice into the mix.
Clean Copper
Don't want to consume it? Copper pans are a. you-know-what to clean, but you can make them sparkle by cleaning them with pickle juice.
In the Garden
Weeds are a bummer, so banish them from your garden by dousing them with pickle juice. All that vinegar and salt does a job on them. -
11Post-Workout Drink
Drinking pickle juice after an intense workout can help prevent muscle cramps. It also contains electrolytes (even more than most sports drinks!) that can help you stay hydrated.
Heartburn Remedy
Take a few sips of pickle juice to help reduce heartburn.
Laxative
Drink a small glass of pickle juice to help gently ease constipation.
Upset Stomach
Drink a small glass of pickle juice to help with general “upset tummy” symptoms. It can help with digestion, which usually clears up low-grade stomach discomfort.
Hiccup Stopper
Some people swear by drinking pickle juice as a cure for hiccups.
How About Some Cheese
Marinate soft white cheese in pickle juice for a tangy twist. -
12Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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