It is not easy to find pickles and relishes for diabetics.  But we can make our own.  These recipes are for canning pickles and relish that is diabetic friendly.  Bright Green Pickle Sticks is a perfect recipe for this time of year as the vegetable gardens and farmer’s markets feature lots of cucumbers.  Take advantage of the cucumbers now and enjoy your own pickles year-round.  The same thing is true for the Bell Pepper Relish.  Gardens, Farmer’s Markets and grocery stores have beautiful bell peppers available.  With this relish recipe, you will be enjoying them all year.  Be sure you always use clean jars when canning and be very sure your jars seal.  Always follow the instructions carefully.

BRIGHT GREEN PICKLE STICKS

Wash and cut into sticks enough cucumbers for 7 quarts.

Pour boiling water over the cucumbers and let sit overnight.

The next day, drain the cucumbers and pack into clean canning jars.

Combine the following ingredients in a large saucepan and boil for 5 minutes:

7 cups cider vinegar

5 cups Splenda granular

1 3/4 cups sugar

6 tbsp salt

3 tbsp celery seed

3 tbsp mustard seed

6 tsp tumeric

Green food coloring, optional

Pour the hot mixture over the cucumbers in the jars. Have jar lids boiling in water. Seal the jars with the hot lids. Process in boiling water bath for 5 minutes to seal well.

BELL PEPPER RELISH

18 green bell peppers

18 red bell peppers

18 medium onions

6 cups vinegar

3 tbsps salt

1 cup sugar

4 cups Splenda granular

1 tbsp whole mustard seed

8 stalks celery, finely chopped

Put the bell peppers and the onions in a food processor until fine.  Cover the mixture with boiling water and let stand 10 minutes; drain.  Add the vinegar, salt, sugar, Splenda, mustard seed, and celery; mix well.  Put the mixture in a large pan and bring to a boil.  Boil for 15 minutes and immediately seal into hot pint jars.  Be sure the lids seal.  If any jar doesn’t seal, refrigerate and use first.

Note:  These pickles and relish make great gifts for diabetics.  They are perfect housewarming gifts, hostess gifts, birthday or holiday gifts.

Enjoy!