This is where I always go for recipes when I can't find it in one of my books:  allrecipes.com.  Here's the link to the dill pickle recipe:  http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Dill-Pickles/Detail.aspx    What makes this so great, in my humble opinion, is the 118 reviews!  I haven't read even half of them yet and only one person had a batch turn out bad.  Everyone raves about them.  I think this is definitely the recipe I was looking for.  I can't wait to try it.
         I learned a ton from the reviews. They were soooo helpful.  If you've never made pickles I recommend reading through them.  I feel totally confident now.  I can't wait to get started and wish I'd put in tons more cucumber plants.  
        Some things I learned... 

• Water bath canning isn't neccessary and can make the pickles mushy.
• Chlorine water may make the pickles mushy, so get some well water from a friend if you have city water.
• Start with icy cold cukes and add boiling hot brine for crisp pickles.
• Crushing the garlic helps release the flavor (someone even recommended liquifying it). 
• You can use this for whole cukes, spears or slices and it's even good with green beans!  Oh good... I was wondering if there was something else interesting I could do with green beans....
• If you're impatient you'll find them delicious any time before the full 8 weeks.

I might run out today just to see if I can find some dill...  I tried growing some in the garden but didn't put much effort into it.  I didn't know I'd get so excited about pickles.  I did grow garlic and it came out fantastic.  I have tons, even after setting aside 60 cloves to plant this Labor Day.  I wanted to have enough for my salsa and pasta/pizza sauce, plus drying some for powder.  I should think there's enough for all that....

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Posted by gokings13

Boil 3 quarts of water and 4 cups of vinegar.
(For 7 quarts)
Was cucumbers off and cut off butt and blossom end.
Pack in hot jars
Place in each jar: 1 head of dill, 1 grape leaf, 1 clove of garlic, 1 hot pepper, 1/8 t of alum
Pour liquid into jars.
Water bath for 10 min
wide mouth jars are best

******I have not tried this recipe yet. My fil gave it to me and swears it's the best pickles he's ever eaten.***************
Laura

PS This recipe is older than you and I put together!!

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Posted by dukygurl

funny it is probably best to try a few and decide what you like. I love dill pickles I always thought it really a difficult task to can anything but all of the lovely elderly ladies I have spoken with lately. (my mother and my land lords mother in law) have suggested very simple.. or very store bought recipes

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