The Gift of Pickles

If you've been reading Pickle Freak since the beginning, then you may recall that pickles have long been a special part of Xmas for me. It all started with trips to the Hickory Farms store in the mall where I not only longed for the summer sausage but also discovered HOT pickles in a bag. Santa started leaving a case (a mere 12 pickles!) in my "stocking" every year and I would do my best to make them last past Elvis' birthday (January 8th). I've continued to make pickles a part of my Xmas since then and of course, I encourage you all to do the same!

Here are a few ideas:

Ship a case of McClure's Pickles to your family. They'll be waiting for you when you get there and you can use the leftover brine for bloody marys and we all know you'll need it.

If you like to give the impression that you could win Top Chef if you only applied, send your critics any one of the gift packs from Ricks Picks and they'll believe you (and their mouths will be full). Also, be sure to throw in a jar of Handy Corn for yourself.

If your grandmother collects soaps for the guest bathroom AND just recovered from the swine flu then she would love these.

Here's a Pickle themed shirt that would make any man, woman or child happy from Horman's Best Pickles.

I recommend these for traveling, pickle emergencies, and any romantic occasion. Nothing says "be prepared for natural disaster" or "I love you" like pickles in a can.

I'm finally getting my own proper canning equipment for Xmas this year so I can keep my habit going strong, but thankfully in the meantime, I have Hot Heirloom Cukes from Brooklyn Brine.

Merry Xmas everyone!