Pickled Pike Delight

If you're a fan of exploring unique flavors and love a good pickled treat, you're in for a culinary adventure. Inspired by the MeatEater Pickled Pike recipe with a personal twist, this homemade delicacy promises a burst of flavors in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs bite-sized pike fillets
• 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 3 cups warm water
• 3 cups white vinegar
• 1 cup white vinegar (for pickling solution)
• 1/2 cup warm water (for pickling solution)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 10 allspice berries
• 1 tsp yellow mustard seeds
• 1 tsp brown mustard seeds
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• Red onion slices
• Lemon slices
• Bay leaves
• Cloves of peeled garlic
• Dried chili peppers

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brine: Dissolve 1/2 cup of kosher salt in 3 cups of warm water. Chill the mixture until cool. Soak the bite-sized pike fillets in the brine for 24 hours. After draining, move on to the second brine.

2. Second Brine: Soak the pike fillets in 3 cups of white vinegar for an additional 12 hours.

3. Pickling Solution: While the second brine is in progress, prepare the pickling solution. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of white vinegar, 1/2 cup warm water, 1/2 cup sugar, allspice berries, yellow mustard seeds, brown mustard seeds, and black peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then chill. Double or triple the quantities as needed.

4. Assembly: Drain the pike after the vinegar bath, but do not rinse. In jars, layer the fish with red onion slices, lemon slices, bay leaves, peeled garlic cloves, and dried chili peppers.

5. Pickling Magic: Fill the jars with the prepared pickling solution ensuring that the solution covers all contents of the jar.

6. Refrigerate: Seal the jars and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 week before indulging in this savory delight. The flavors will meld, creating a perfect harmony that you'll savor on every cracker.

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this unique pickled pike variation. The combination of spices and the pickling process creates a symphony of flavors that is sure to elevate your culinary experience. Enjoy the journey of crafting this delectable treat inspired by the MeatEater recipe with your own personalized touch!