Dilly Bean Recipe

Ingredients

4 lbs fresh tender green or yellow beans (5 to 6 inches long) - fresh, firm - not wilted, soft or overripe!

8 to 16 heads fresh dill (in a pinch, you can substitute 4 teaspoons of dill seed)

1/2 cup canning or pickling salt

4 cups water

4 cups vinegar (5%, white vinegar is best, apple cider vinegar also works well). Store brand is about $1.25 for a 64 oz bottle.

8 to 9 garlic cloves (optional)

1 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (optional) or 6 small hot peppers (optional)