mum's sweet mixed pickles

Name: Mum's Sweet Mixed Pickles
Yield: 16 cup(s)
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 gallon(s) mixed vegetables (cauliflower, small pickling onions, cucumbers); ## BRINE; 1 gallon(s) water; 1 cup(s) pickling salt; - alum (a salt compound for firming and crisping pickles); ## SYRUP; 6 cup(s) white sugar; 1 quart(s) vinegar (4 cups); 2 tablespoon(s) pickling spice (tied in a cheesecloth bag)

(1 RATING)

137 Pinches 1 Photo

Sue Fitzpatrick

Whitby, ON

Updated on Feb 17, 2026

I loved these. Especially the little onions :) Mum would make a special little jar for me of just onions and cauliflower. As I got older she continued this little tradition every year xo Now as I've mentioned in other recipes of hers, she didn't leave me with any methods of doing things, so I only have what I have and no personal knowledge (other than eating them lol) I hope those of you who do can, try this. I think it's worth it!

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This is a close representation of Mum's pickles (cucumber, cauliflower & onion). There were no seeds in hers tho and she cut her veggies into larger pieces :)

prep time

cook time

method Canning/Preserving

yield 16 cup(s)

Ingredients

1 gallon mixed vegetables (cauliflower, small pickling onions, cucumbers)
BRINE
1 gallon water
1 cup pickling salt
alum (a salt compound for firming and crisping pickles)
SYRUP
6 cups white sugar
1 quart vinegar (4 cups)
2 tablespoons pickling spice (tied in a cheesecloth bag)

How To Make mum's sweet mixed pickles

Step 1

Wash and floret caulifower, peel off any dry layers from onions, cut cucumbers and place them all into a large enamel canner. Mum used to slice the cucumbers in quarters - lengthwise, then cut those quarters into 1" pieces.

Step 2

Brine: Boil one gallon of water then add 1 cup of pickling salt to it. Pour hot over vegetables and cover.
Step 3

Day 2: Change brine (do not rinse vegetables)
Step 4

Day 3: Change brine (do not rinse vegetables)
Step 5

Day 4: Drain brine and cover vegetables with boiling water and 1 tablespoon of alum. (do not rinse vegetables)
Step 6

Day 5: Drain and thoroughly wash vegetables under cold water. Pack vegetables into sterilized jars. Fill them to the neck of the jars.
Step 7

Syrup: In a pot, add sugar, vinegar and pickling spice. Boil 5 minutes, pour over vegetables and seal jars.
Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)

calories: 472kcal, carbohydrates: 112g, cholesterol: 0mg, fat: 2g, fiber: 11g, protein: 8g, saturated fat: 0g, sodium: 119mg, sugar: 75g, unsaturated fat: 2g

*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

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