Bread and Butter Pickles

4 lbs of 4-6 inch cucumbers, sliced thin
2 lbs thinly sliced onions
1/3 cup canning salt
3 cups vinegar
2 cups sugar
2 T. mustard seed
2 tsp turmeric
2 tsp celery seed
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp peppercorns

Mix cucumbers and onion slices in a large bowl. Layer with salt and cover with ice cubes. Let sit 1 1/2 hours, drain, and rinse. Put remaining ingredients in a large stockpot and bring to a boil. Add cucumber and onions, and return to a boil. Pack into jars while hot, leaving 1/4 inch head space, and water process for 10 minutes.

Nana's Chow-Chow (Green Tomato Relish)

8 lbs green tomatoes, cut into small pieces
4 lbs onions, cut moderately small
1/2 cup salt

Layer the above in several layers in a large stockpot, press with a plate and weight it down. A gallon of water in a plastic jug works well as a weight. Let sit overnight and drain out the liquid.

Add 1 pkg pickling spice tied in a gauze bag. Mix in 2 cups white sugar, 4 cups vinegar and 2 cups brown sugar. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours over low heat. Stir often. Bottle while hot, and water process to seal.

MOM AND DAD... THIS IS A REMINDER.  When you made this in September 2015, you thought it was too sweet.  Next time reduce the sugar!  I suggest cutting out 1/2 cup each of white and brown sugar, then tasting.

Edit #2-- Never mind.  You tasted it a few days later and it was fine.  Don't change the recipe!