Pickled Things in Glass Jars

Courses: Side Dish

Dietary: Vegetables, Roots + Plant Forward

Description

A whimsical and slightly spooky "Cabinet of Curiosities"–inspired recipe for Pickled Things in Glass Jars — a perfect addition to a Halloween spread, blending Scandinavian tradition with playful wonder. From tangy treasures to eerie edibles, these pickled delights are made to line your shelves with color, texture, and a little culinary magic.

Ingredients

Base Pickling Brine (makes ~3 cups)

Use this universal brine to pickle most vegetables in small batches.

Ingredients:

2 cups water
1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for fruitier depth)
2 tbsp sugar (or honey)
1 tbsp salt
1 ½ Optional: tsp mustard seeds, ½ tsp peppercorns, 1 bay leaf, 1 garlic clove

Instructions

1
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring to dissolve salt and sugar.
2
Let cool slightly before pouring over your chosen veggies in clean glass jars.
3
Store in the fridge for quick pickles (ready in 24 hours, best within 2 weeks), or process using canning methods for longer shelf life.

Note

Display Tip:
Use mismatched vintage glass jars with handwritten labels. Tuck dried herbs or mini scrolls inside for a potion-lab vibe. Add to a bookshelf or open kitchen shelf for a true Cabinet of Pickling Curiosities!

🧅 1. “Blood Moon” Pickled Red Onions

Veggie: Thinly sliced red onions
Add-ins: Star anise, pink peppercorns
Color: Deep pink-magenta
Use for: Topping meatballs, open-faced sandwiches, or fall salads.

🥕 2. “Witch’s Wands” Pickled Carrot Sticks

Veggie: Peeled, halved carrots cut into sticks
Add-ins: Fresh dill, juniper berries, fennel seeds
Color: Golden-orange with foresty flecks
Use for: Kids' snacks, cheese boards, or spooky smörgås boards.

🥒 3. “Cursed Cukes” Quick Pickled Cucumbers

Veggie: Thinly sliced cucumber or small whole gherkins
Add-ins: Dill, garlic, mustard seed
Color: Vibrant green and speckled
Use for: Classic Swedish sides or monster sandwiches.

🧄 4. “Ghost Cloves” Pickled Garlic

Veggie: Whole peeled garlic cloves
Add-ins: Bay leaf, black pepper, chili flakes
Color: Pale with fiery brine
Use for: Punchy spreads, savory sauces, or brave tasters.

🥬 5. “Dragon Scales” Pickled Red Cabbage

Veggie: Shredded red cabbage
Add-ins: Clove, cinnamon stick, a dash of beet juice
Color: Royal purple with ruby highlights
Use for: Hearty grain bowls, Halloween tacos, or spooky slaws.

🍇 Bonus: “Elven Elixirs” Pickled Grapes

Fruit: Red or green seedless grapes
Brine variation: Swap sugar for honey, add cinnamon stick + fresh rosemary
Color: Shiny, surreal
Use for: Cheese boards, roasts, or witchy mocktails.

Swede Dish