Bourbon-Brined Pickled Peppered Okra

Bourbon and okra might not seem like a natural combination, but once you’ve tried one of these pickled okra pods, we guarantee that you’ll change your mind. These crunchy refrigerator pickles, made by recipe developer Ann Taylor-Pittman, preserve the fresh, asparagus-like flavor of okra and enhance it with a definitive hit of bourbon and a little bit of chile heat. The bourbon flavor is wonderfully present—especially since you don’t cook it off at all. The brine, which is flavored with Fresno chiles, bay leaves, mustard and coriander seeds, peppercorns, packs a powerful and fragrant punch as well. Other than eating them straight out of the jar (which you will want to do), these pickles are wonderful served on a charcuterie or cheese board, as a garnish for a bloody Mary or deviled eggs, or served in your favorite burger. Look for small fresh okra pods that are bright green in color—larger pods will be too tough. Be sure to make a batch of Bourbon-Brined Pickled Peppered Okra (say that three times fast) when fresh okra is in season—it will become your new summertime ritual.