July 30, 2020
There is a first time for everything. And this is my first year making cinnamon party pickles like my grandmother used to make. Growing up they were the favorite canned vegetable of all the kids. And I use the term “vegetable” loosely. Nevermind the wholesome field peas or the healthy tomatoes, it was the red hot candy, sugar loaded, oh so crunchy cinnamon pickles we wanted. And Memaw always had them. Until now, I never knew how much work went into making those pickles. It takes hours to peel, cut, scoop, and prepare, and 5 days to complete all the steps. I remember a large gallon size jar that would sit on Memaw’s counter with the ringed cukes covered in lime. But most of all I remember her opening the bright red jars of syrupy deliciousness much to the delight of all us kids. As I stood there tonight chopping cucumbers, I tried to remember the last time I had her party pickles. I think I would have cried right then if you’d told me it would be the last time I’d eat them. Now I’m covered in cucumber juice and good memories wishing I could thank her for all the work she put into making red pickles for her grandkids for so many years. We surely loved those sweet pickles, but more than that, we loved the sweet woman who made them.
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