I use this pickle mix for just about everything (well everything where pickling is required!). However, don't use it for Pickle Backs (recipe elsewhere on this blog under "drinks"). It will cause you pain. You need a sweeter pickle mix in my opinion for that.
Makes just over 1.5 litres. I pour it in to kilner bottles and store in the fridge. It was last a very long time. It is pickling liquor after all!
1 litre cider vinegar
500g golden caster sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp all spice berries
1 tbs fennel seeds
1 tbs coriander seeds
1 tbs black peppercorns
Star anise - no less than 4, no more than 6
Put everything in to a large saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. When the sugar has dissolved reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes. Worth putting your extractor fan on or opening the windows at this point, as your kitchen will start to smell very vinegary!
Turn the heat off, then straightaway cover with a double layer of clingfilm. Leave like this until it is completely cool, Then strain in to 2 x 1 litre sterilised bottles through a fine sieve until needed. I like to put one of the cinnamon sticks in to each bottle but that's entirely up to you.
