SWEET PICKLED RED ONIONS RECIPES

Steps:

• Using a mandoline or sharp knife, finely slice the cucumbers and red onion. Put in a mixing bowl with the dill sprigs and a pinch of salt while you prepare the pickling solution.
• In a small pot over medium heat, combine white vinegar, sugar, allspice and salt. Stir well until the liquid is simmering and the sugar has completely dissolved. Pour pickling liquid over red onion and cucumbers and stir to ensure everything is evenly coated. Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap (press the plastic wrap down onto the cucumbers so there is no air) and refrigerate. Chill for at least 4 hours to cool completely before serving.

Steps:

• Serve with grilled Swiss or extra-sharp white Cheddar cheese on pumpernickel or whole grain bread.;
• Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, and bacon. Brown and crisp bacon and remove to a plate, draining off some fat if you have more than enough to lightly coat the bottom of the pot.
• Add the onions, carrots, caraway, and apples, and stir a few minutes. Then wilt in the cabbage and season with black pepper and some freshly grated nutmeg. Cover with the lid slightly ajar and wilt cabbage while you prepare the sachet. Fill the cheesecloth with the juniper berries, cloves, bay leaves, orange rind, and cinnamon, and use kitchen twine to tie it to the side of the pot. Drop it into the pot and stir into the cabbage. Add the vinegar, keeping your head back from the hot pot, brown sugar, stock, and water, and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until cabbage is very tender and soup has thickened. Stir the bacon bits back in, then adjust the salt to your taste.
• Cool and store for a make-ahead meal, or serve with grilled cheese sandwiches.