I know it sounds simple and I should just grind up some pickles to make relish- but my husband is hooked on Vlasic's Dill Relish. I've tried other recipes hoping to duplicate it but no luck. Does anyone have something similar that I could try? Thanks in advance.

-- Charleen in WNY (harperhill@eznet.net), November 20, 2001

Answers

Hi Charleen! I have adapted this recipe from several I had around. I use shredded zucchini for this recipe. I think it stays a little crunchier, and looks very nice in the jar. I imagine you can use cucumbers if you wish.

10 cups shredded zucchini

4 cups chopped onions

about 2-3 TBS salt (can adjust for your own taste, the salt helps "sweat" the excess water from the zucchini)

Mix these ingredients and put into a collander. I set it in the sink and let it drain for several hours.

In a large pan add the following ingredients:

2 1/2 cups white vinegar

1 tablespoon celery seed

1 tablespoon turmeric

1 tablespoon black pepper

A tablespoon of sugar (optional)

about 3 heaping teaspoons of dill seed or I add a bunch of fresh dill

*I know this is a lot of dill, so adjust it according to your taste, this is very strongly flavored, but that is how I like it.

Add the zucchini mixture, and simmer for about 30 minutes. Process in a water bath canner for 15 minutes for pints.

The salt, sugar and dill are all adjustable ingredients in this recipe.

-- Melissa (cmnorris@1st.net), November 20, 2001.

We are a pickle family! We will never go back to store bought after I found this wonderful chow chow recipe.It does have green tomatoes and cabbage in it , but you can't tell. If your interested let me know!

-- Micheale from SE Kansas (mbfrye@totelcsi.net), November 20, 2001.