Mondo's Hot & Spicy Pickles

Step 1

Clean cucumbers in cold water.

Step 2

Place water, vinegar, sugar, salt in large pot.

Step 3

Place sprigs of dill (stems and all) and pickling spices in cheesecloth. Knot the cheesecloth and place in pot with the rest of ingredients.

Step 4

Bring to a boil to make a brine solution.

Step 5

Place a few peppercorns, few garlic cloves or chopped garlic, 1/8 teaspoons Alum, a couple dried whole chile peppers in each empty canning jar that is going to be used. If you desire hotter pickles, add optional 1 - 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes to each jar.

Step 6

Then place pickles in jar and fill with brine solution.

Step 7

Wipe rims of jars with clean cloth, place lids and screw on bands fingertip-tight.

Step 8

Process for 8 minutes in water bath.

Step 9

Remove to cloth-protected counter and let rest undisturbed for 24 hours to cool.

Step 10

Pickles are ready to eat in about 2 weeks. Enjoy!