Homemade Bread & Butter Pickles

Ingredients:
25 sliced medium cucumbers
4 medium sliced onions
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1/3 cup canning salt
5 cups sugar
3 cups cider vinegar
1-1/2 tsp. turmeric
1-1/2 tsp. celery seed
2 Tbsp. mustard seed
hot red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparation:

1. Combine cucumbers and onion slices in a large bowl.
   Layer with salt and cover with ice cubes.
   Let stand 1 1/2 hours; drain and rinse.
2. Place remaining ingredients in large non reactive sauce pot and bring to a boil.
   Add drained cucumbers and onions and return to a boil.
3. Pack hot into hot sterilized* jars, leaving 1/4 in head space.
   Remove air bubbles. Adjust caps.
4. Process 15 min in boiling water bath.

*Easy way to sterilize jars: Wash them well in hot soapy water. Dry them off. Put on a cookie sheet, right side up, at 225 F (100 C) for 15 minutes.