Sour Pickles

Directions

1. 1
   Soak cucumbers for 30 minutes in a bowl filled with ice water to loosen any dirt.
2. 2
   Slice the blossom end off each cucumber, which is opposite the stem end.
3. 3
   If you arent sure which end is which, slice a little off each.
4. 4
   Cut cucumbers into spears or chunks, if desired.
5. 5
   Pack cucumbers into one or two clean quart jars.
6. 6
   Tuck in garlic, dill, coriander and jalapeno, if using.
7. 7
   Add salt to two cups boiling water.
8. 8
   Stir until dissolved.
9. 9
   Add two cups of ice (made with filtered water if yours is chlorinated).
10. 10
    Stir well until the ice has melted and the brine is cool.
11. 11
    Pour brine into jars, covering cucumbers.
12. 12
    Loosely cap jars and place in a bowl or pan because the jars may leak during fermentation.
13. 13
    Leave pickles on the counter to ferment.
14. 14
    The brine will bubble lazily and become cloudy.
15. 15
    Taste after 3 days, leaving on the counter another day or two if you want your pickles more sour, or refrigerating if theyre ready.
16. 16
    They keep a month in the refrigerator.