I made some pickles the other day using Judith in Umbria's recipe... which makes the exact kind of pickles that I like.

I am pretty sure it is on the site somewherebut here it is again if anyone is interested.

Here is the recipe:

20-25 4" cucumbers
Soak them covered in cold water overnight.

Check out your jars. You need a lid with a perfect seal and lining with pickles--- not a flaw. You also need tongs. Clean the jars and put them and the lids into a deep pot of boiling water.

For each jar you will need:
1/8 teaspoon of alum..from farmacia
1 clove garlic
2 heads fresh dill
1 hot red pepper
1 grape leaf clean

In a big pot put 1 cup sale grosso
3 quarts water
1 quart cider vinegar
and bring to a boil

Put a dish towel on the counter. With the tongs, take the jars out one by one and cram cucumbers in, then add the alum, garlic, dill, pepper and fill the jar right up with the hot brine. Put the grape leaf on top, take the lid out of the pot and put it on the jar, then using a potholder, screw it down well.
That's it. Repeat. Makes 6-8 quarts of pickles.