Pickling

From Antivist

Poor Man's Capers

Real capers are pickled buds from the caper bush, a perennial shrub that thrives in the Mediterranean region. Capers are a gourmet condiment and these pickled nasturtium seeds are an impressive substitute.

After the blossom falls off, pick the half-ripened (still green) nasturtium seed pods. Continue picking as long as the seed crop continues. Drop them in a boiled and cooled mixture of:

• 1 quart white wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons pickling salt
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon pickling spice
• 1 clove garlic, smashed
• 4 to 6 peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed

Keep the mixture refrigerated.