>but I'm having a bit of a problem getting the >brine just 'right'... :o) I have a "default brine" that I use for pickling just about anything: 3 cups (24 fl oz) water, 1 cup (8 fl oz) vinegar, 1/4 cup pickling salt. I've found this has just the right balance of vinegar and salt without being "too much" of anything, and it takes to flavoring (with pickling spices, herbs, peppers, or whatever) very well. === Dave Sacerdote davesas@tiac.net Resist or Serve. "I am so mighty, I do not have to kill you all." -- Flaming Carrot Visit Dave's New England Almanac: http://www.tiac.net/users/davesas