Henbogle Dilly Beans

I like to combine wax and green beans in a jar as it looks as good as it tastes.

Dilly Beans

Makes 8 pints

4 lbs string beans
1/2 c pickling salt
8 heads dill, plus a few fronds
8 plump cloves garlic
2 t cayenne pepper
5 c cider vinegar (must be 5 % acidity)
5 c water

Combine salt, water and vinegar and heat to boiling.  Heat jars.  To each hot jar add 1/4 t cayenne, 1 clove garlic and 1 head dill plus a frond or two of dill.  Pack raw beans into pint jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.  Pour boiling brine over beans leaving 1/4 inch headspace.  Cap and process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Strawberry Jam with Balsamic Vinegar and Black Pepper

3 1/4 lbs. cleaned hulled strawberries
4 1/2 c sugar
1 T lemon juice
1/4 c balsamic vinegar
1 t freshly ground black pepper, coarsely ground
pectin of choice

Makes about 8 half-pint jars

Crush berries with potato masher.  Cook with sugar to rolling boil, add pectin as directed.  Stir in balsamic vinegar and black pepper.  Jar and seal 10 minutes in a boiling water bath.  Enjoy!