In a world where dinner parties, picnics, holiday & religious gatherings, and lazy Sundays still prevail, a beautiful glass jar of homemade pickled vegetables or fruits makes a unique and thoughtful gift. So gather up some pretty glass jars, get your children together or throw a “pickling party” and get started on your creative journey, we are sure you will be “pickled pink”!

Makes 1 bunch pickled asparagus

INGREDIENTS

1 bunch asparagus, cleaned and ends trimmed
1 lemon juiced
1/2 cup champagne vinegar (lemon flavored if possible)
1/2 cup sparkling water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
8-10 mint leaves
1/2 lemon sliced

PREPARATION

In a steamer or medium pan steam asparagus until cooked to not quite tender, approximately 5 minutes. Take of burner and blanch in ice cold water to stop cooking process. in a medium mixing bowl combine lemon juice, vinegar, sparking water, salt & sugar and stir well. addmint leaves and lemon slices. Place asparagus in a flat baking dish and pour vinegar mixture over it, cover and refrigerate for approx 30 minutes to 2 hours until desired flavor and consistency. Discard mint leaves as they will turn brown in the marinade.