Appalachian Style Beet Pickle

There are a few things in life that simple make us feel like a child again. One of those thing's for me is my Granny's cookin and using her recipe's. My Granny lives just up the hill from our place and she is a great joy to be around. I have tried for years to cook as she dose, but have yet to prepare a meal as wonderfully as she can. I also love the way she measure's her ingredients in her hand. She gives directions like " a chunk of butter no bigger than a hens egg" or " about half of ye palm". I have never felt the age gap curse that I often hear other folk's speak of; for, my Granny is simple ageless, and ever young at heart! Here is her recipe that she gave to me many years ago for beets. I was recently ask why I make my beet pickles when the store are full of canned beets. The reason is this, the store bought beets are not the same flavor as the homemade ones. And, I would be forsaken my "Hillbilly" up raisins if I stopped making them. My Granny would be displeased with me and that just isn't going to happen; that is if I can help it! Our culture is defined by our foods, dress, and customs. There are already to many of us forsaking our roots, but it is never to late to go back to your heritage! And, if you are "Hillbilly" This recipe is a good way to start.

Here are the beets while they are still in the garden before we pull them up.

Here they are washed and ready to be cooked on the open fire. We do our canning outside to keep the heat out of the house.

These must come to a boil until the skins on the beets have turned lose.

Here is Daddy taking the lose skins off the beets. They come off very easy.

Here they are back on the fire cooking in this recipe. 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar, continue to mix this mixture until the liquid overs the beets. Cook until they strick a boil again.

Now we are putting the beets in the jars; while they are still hot.

And here is my husband Ricky showing our finished product. We had 28 quarts of beets, and it is only 10:00 am. I think we did pretty good; don't you think.

And here is how we are using them tonight with fresh fried corn, homemade biscuits, and a gallon of fresh buttermilk. And Grandpa said "ummm, ummm, ummm good." Haha

Y'all have a wonderful day in the Lord,
Theresa at Yesterday's Farm