SALT FREE PICKLES

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 lbs small un-waxed cucumbers or slice larger cucumbers into slices and spears.
• 1/2 lb white onions - You can use the pearl onions or just cut standard onions into 1 inch chunks. 1 inch or less in diameter
• 12 stalks fresh dill preferably with seed heads
• 9 cloves garlic - peeled
• 1 qt white vinegar
• 3 cups water
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 tsp mixed pickling spice check to make sure salt-free – McCormick’s makes one that is salt free
• 1 tbsp red chili flakes
• 1 tbsp mustard seeds
• 1 tbsp black peppercorns
• 12 Grape leafs *Optional! Cutting the blossom end off the cucumber also works to keep the cucumbers crisp. this is the secret to keeping the pickles crispy
• 3 Quart size jars with lids mason jars work best