Fresh Zucchini Relish and the Taste of Spring

This is not your ordinary Zucchini Relish. It is fresh, fantastic and fragrant! With flavors this fascinating, you know you are in for a culinary delight. You can find fresh zucchini in this area year round. I am not sure how, but all winter long we have enjoyed really good zucchini. This winter has seemed particularly long and cold. I AM READY FOR SPRING AND THE WARMER WEATHER IT WILL BRING! I was sitting and thinking of how nice a grilled Turkey Hot Dog topped with garden fresh homemade Zucchini Relish would taste. Warmer weather hit, so I fired up the charcoal grill and made a batch of Zucchini Relish.

Zucchini Relish

2 cups finely chopped zucchini

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 cup green pepper, finely chopped

1 cup red pepper, finely chopped

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 cup sugar

2 teaspoons celery seed

1 teaspoon mustard seed

1 cup cider vinegar

1 cup beer, your choice

(1) Combine zucchini, onion, green pepper, red pepper, and sprinkle with salt. Mix well, cover with cold water and let stand three hours. (2) Drain and rinse several times. (3) Combine the rest of the ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Add vegetables and simmer 20 minutes. (4) Drain and reserve a small amount of liquid. Cool vegetables and liquid. Combine vegetables and liquid. (5) ENJOY!!

This is definitely one of those versatile relishes. You can use it on top of hot dogs, hamburgers, shredded smoked pork, bratts, metts, veggie burgers, cold cuts and more. You can add it to pasta salad for an unique taste second to none. You can add it to salsa, or serve it as a sweet and sour salsa. You can eat it by the spoonfuls, which I do, because it is just that good!

Zucchini Relish definitely has the irresistible appeal of long warm summer days. It is colorful and fresh with a sweet and sour tang. It is a quick and easy relish that will grace your table spring, summer, winter and fall. BRING ON SPRING!!