Which specific recipe and "Ball Book" khandi? There are currently 3 different books from Ball and 4 or 5 different pickled beets recipes in them.

Dave

http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can_06/pickled_beets.html

Sorry, should have put in the link. And just noticed it's not from the Ball Book LOL Sorry my mind is elsewhere today.

My Ball Book I just bought only has the Pickled Golden Beets recipe.

I bought the All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving

The recipe that you linked to is nearly the same as the Basic Pickled Beets in "Joy of Pickling", by Linda Ziedrich. The differences are that she uses cider vinegar, half white sugar and half brown sugar. and throws in some whole allspice berries. I've been making this version for the past couple of years and love it! You can also add some fresh ginger slices or star anise to the spice mixture in the cheesecloth for a little different take on the basic recipe. I do not usually add onions, though that sounds delicious! As Dave says, not too sweet, not too zingy from the vinegar...just a nicely balanced recipe.

If I recall correctly khandi you live in Canada, correct? You really need to complete your profile page here so that is part of each of your posts. ;-)

If so then that is a good book for you as it is Canada-oriented. But it does differ quite a bit from the actual Ball publications most of us down here use - BBB and Ball Complete. So only some of us have it or have any experience with it. If you post any questions based on it please be sure to include that particular book name, ok?

I agree with coffhaus that Ziedrich's recipe for them is excellent too but I skip the anise. ;-p

Dave

I've included "Canadian" in my profile. Thanks for your input.

Made 5 jars of the beets but one didn't "pop" a seal. Will put in refrigerator for daughter and her hubby to eat this weekend.

Khandi...when that happens, I consider it a fortunate accident as it gives me an excuse to try some of the product earlier than I otherwise would have!

True! LOL When you pressed on the lid, it popped down and up. After several hours (10-11 hours) the lid was down (sealed) but not taking a chance and put it in the refrigerator. I've never had a jar take so long to seal.