UPDATE: My final batch total is 40 quarts and 12 pints .........I only have 26 quarts left.........makes me sad for myself, but am glad I had enough to share. My Dad gave our cucumber grower friends a couple of big trailers, a huge flatbed that can probably carry at least 8 bales of hay, and a big enclosed thingamabopper trailer, with the understanding that I would be supplied with cucumbers for life. It was a great deal as far as I am concerned! I only wish I could grow enough cukes myself, to fulfill my needs, but alas.........maybe in a year or two. I will never forget how Dad sweetly held the mandolin for me as I made slices out of the bigger, older cukes they brought at the very last, which gave me the opportunity to make dill slices for the first time ever.
I have some antsy, pickle-loving cousins who came to visit earlier this week, and none of us could resist testing them........we put a pint of spears and a pint of picked okra in the fridge to cool down, then ate them for starters, along with some deeeee-licious Fischer's Smoked Turkey Sausage, Fischer's Block Medium Sharp Cheddar and a veggie tray - it was wonderful! Despite the fact the pickles hadn't set long enough to suit me, (made 6-27-2009 and eaten on 7-15-2009) they were quite tasty. I know they will be wondermous come September...........
