Mock Cherry Dills: A Sweet and Tangy Pickle Revelation

The memory is as vivid as the bright red of those seemingly forbidden candies my grandmother always kept hidden on the top shelf of her pantry. Of course, they weren’t candies at all, but Mock Cherry Dills, a peculiar and delightful creation she’d learned from a neighbor during the war. As a child, I was convinced they were magic, the tart dill flavor transformed into something sweet and almost cherry-like. That subtle sweetness dancing on my tongue, a delightful departure from the usual sour pickle, sealed my love for this unique treat.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 6 days, 15 minutes (includes refrigeration time)
• Servings: Varies (approximately 16)
• Yield: 1 large jar
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 32 ounces dill pickles, cut into chunks
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 6 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick

Equipment Needed

• Large saucepan
• Clean 32-ounce jar with lid

Instructions

1. Begin by draining the liquid from the jar of dill pickles, carefully reserving 1 cup of this liquid.
2. Thoroughly wash the pickle jar and lid with hot, soapy water. Rinse well and set aside – this will be used to store the finished pickles. Ensuring the jar is clean will help to prevent unwanted bacteria growth during the refrigeration process.
3. In a large saucepan, combine the reserved 1 cup of pickle juice, the sugar, and the white vinegar.
4. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. This should take approximately 2 minutes. Make sure to dissolve the sugar completely, as undissolved sugar can result in a grainy texture.
5. Return the cloves and cinnamon stick to the cleaned pickle jar.
6. Add the pickle chunks to the jar.
7. Pour the hot sugar and vinegar mixture from the saucepan over the pickles in the jar, making sure that the pickles are fully submerged in the liquid.
8. Put the lid onto the jar, sealing it tightly.
9. Refrigerate the jar for 6 days before opening and enjoying. This crucial refrigeration period allows the flavors to meld and transform into the Mock Cherry Dill experience.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense cherry-like flavor, consider adding a drop or two of red food coloring to the brine. This is purely aesthetic, but it enhances the visual appeal.
• If you prefer a less sweet pickle, reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup. Taste the brine after dissolving the sugar and adjust accordingly.
• Use high-quality dill pickles for the best results. Milwaukee dill pickles are particularly well-suited for this recipe due to their firm texture and balanced flavor.
• Don’t discard the brine after you’ve eaten all the pickles! It can be reused to brine chicken or pork, adding a unique tanginess to your dishes.
• If the cinnamon stick is too long for the jar, break it in half before adding it.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the brine.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Mock Cherry Dills are a delightful addition to any charcuterie board, adding a sweet and tangy counterpoint to savory meats and cheeses. They are also fantastic as a side dish with grilled sandwiches or burgers. For a truly unique experience, try chopping them finely and adding them to potato salad or deviled eggs.

Stored in the refrigerator, these pickles will keep for up to 2 weeks. Ensure the pickles are always submerged in the brine to maintain their quality and prevent spoilage. Do not freeze these pickles, as freezing will alter their texture and make them mushy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	83 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	0.1 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	732.6 mg	30%
Total Carbohydrate	21.1 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	0.7 g	2%
Sugars	20.7 g	82%
Protein	0.3 g	0%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spice It Up: Add a few slices of fresh jalapeno to the jar for a spicy kick.
• Herbal Infusion: Include a sprig of fresh dill or a bay leaf for added herbal complexity.
• Vinegar Variation: Experiment with different vinegars, such as apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, for subtle flavor variations.
• Sweetener Alternative: For a less refined sugar option, try using honey or maple syrup, though this will slightly alter the flavor profile.
• Pickle Variety: While dill pickles are traditional, you can try this recipe with other types of pickles, such as bread and butter pickles, for a different flavor experience.
• Citrus Zest: Add a sliver of orange or lemon zest for a bright, aromatic touch.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why do I need to refrigerate the pickles for 6 days?
A: The refrigeration period allows the sugar, vinegar, and spices to fully penetrate the pickles, creating the signature sweet and tangy flavor profile. It also helps to prevent spoilage.

Q: Can I use pre-sliced pickles instead of pickle chunks?
A: Yes, you can use pre-sliced pickles. However, pickle chunks tend to hold their texture better during the pickling process.

Q: My brine turned cloudy after a few days in the refrigerator. Is this normal?
A: A slightly cloudy brine is normal and is often caused by the spices releasing their oils. However, if the brine becomes excessively cloudy or develops an off-putting odor, discard the pickles.

Q: Can I reuse the brine after I finish the pickles?
A: Yes, the brine can be reused to marinate or brine other foods, such as chicken or pork. It will add a unique tangy flavor.

Q: What if I don’t have a cinnamon stick? Can I use ground cinnamon?
A: While a cinnamon stick is preferred for its subtle flavor release, you can substitute it with 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. However, be aware that the ground cinnamon may make the brine slightly cloudy.

Final Thoughts

I encourage you to embark on this simple yet transformative culinary adventure. These Mock Cherry Dills are more than just pickles; they’re a taste of nostalgia, a sweet and tangy surprise that will delight your palate. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations and personalize the recipe to your liking. Share your creations with friends and family, and most importantly, savor every bite! I’d love to hear your feedback and any unique twists you add to this recipe. Perhaps you’ll even discover your own family tradition in the making. These dills pair wonderfully with a crisp, cold beer or a refreshing lemonade on a warm summer day – the perfect complement to their sweet and tangy charm.