I love that fact that I normally work Mon-Thurs.  That leaves Friday as a day to spend time with Daphne and do as many fun summer things as possible.  Today we went to the Farmer’s Market.

Daphne got to pick out a watermelon.  And she even brought her camera.  Like the Daphne perspective?

We got a watermelon, some locally grown peaches, pickling cucumbers and onions, cilantro and apples.  All for $10.  I think that’s a great deal!!

I was particularly interested in the pickling cucumbers.  After seeing so many of the bloggers I follow make pickles, I had to try it too.  A couple of pounds of cucumbers, grown right down the road in Rosenberg, TX.

Tossed with Kosher salt to draw out some moisture.

Layered with sweet onions slices.

Filled with pickling solution (slightly sweet and very tangy dill) and chilling in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

I think we are in pickle heaven.

The verdict after being refrigerated for 6 hours?  AWESOME.  I will never buy store-bought pickles again.  And as they age, they will get even better.  Like my ghetto reclaimed jars? I had a bit of sticker shock when pricing Ball canning jar cases.  I swear I was able to buy 12 jars for like $6 or $7 just a few years ago. OK, maybe it was 10 years ago. Walmart wanted $18 for 12 quart jars.  Um, no.  Especially since these are just refrigerator pickles and not something that I plan on trying to water bath can.

I got the recipe from Fly Through My Window and followed all their modifications.  I did use Penzeys four peppercorn blend and a few red pepper flakes.  Next, I might try this bread and butter pickles recipe from Smitten Kitchen.  Bread and butter pickles always remind me of the pickle bar at Goldie’s.   Now I know what I’m bringing to any BBQs we get invited to this summer.  Do you have a favorite pickle recipe?

Next up on my Things to Make from the Farmer’s Market list?  Maybe a peach cobbler and some gazpacho.  Yum… tastes of summer.