“Cukes,” my grandfather, the master gardener, called them. And he loved his cukes. He also loved his pickles.
So when I saw the harvest of cucumbers that came in today from the garden, I knew I had to make pickles — my grandfather’s favourite — bread and butter pickles. He also liked icicle pickles and watermelon pickles, but that’s another story.
It helps that these pickles are quick and easy to make. I had a sense of his original recipe, but couldn’t remember the exact proportions, so I googled a few and then adapted my final recipe.
I didn’t process this batch since they get eaten up too fast around here. We just keep them in the fridge.
Here are a couple good recipes, should you have a bunch of cukes around your house also.
Sherrygaley.com 
that’s a lovely story Sherry. I pickled a batch of beets last week, just haven’t had a chance to blog about them. I love homemade bread and butter pickles and have been tempted to make a small batch of them as well. Secret revealed: i may love homemade bread & butter pickles but absolutely abhor the commercial ones :~)
Your photos are an absolute delight. I adore that one of the cukes themselves!
Thanks so much, Barb. Icicle pickles are much more involved and time-consuming. You have to do something to them every day over several days. They’re good but not sure they’re as good as bread and butter pickles for the effort involved.
Laurie, it’s been a while but I remember them being very crunchy and quite sweet. Hard to describe but very good. I wonder if I should try them next?
Thanks, Indigo. Not sure mine were quite as good as his. After all, he had lots of practice. But they were not bad at all! Wishing you a great week as well!
Ploughman’s lunch is one of my all-time favorite things to eat in a pub. I’ve had them in England, Ireland and they even have them here in Canada. And these pickles are a perfect accompaniment.
Thank you, Sandra. So true. There are just some things that remind us so much of family traditions — and in my case, much of it is food related!
I’ll probably have to make some more!
Thanks, Lisa. Just had some. They turned out great – tangy and sweet and crunchy.
I have never heard of watermelon pickles? What do they taste like? These jars you are using are adorable.
‘Cukes’ and glass… they sure look good together. I’m sure your grandfather would have approved, although I dare say he’d have had to give your pickles the taste test first! Have a great week, Sherry.
Looks great I would love them with bread and cheese called a ploughman’s over here, bread, cheese, pickle or picked onions…. Pretty light
Nice shallow depth of field photography in your gleaming kitchen! It’s fun to make a little something we fancy which reminds us of family traditions and those who have enjoyed these things before us, like the memory of your grandfather.
such pretty light in your kitchen Sherry, love that first one with the stove in the background. I have heard of watermelon and bread and butter pickles but not icicles. I have made bread and butter and they are one of my favorites.
that looks really yummy
Oh, I do love homemade pickles!
These look wonderful, Sherry.
Thank you for sharing the recipe links.