Makes about 3 cups.
Note: These will keep several weeks in the refrigerator. They make terrific holiday gifts. They're great as a condiment on a cheese platter and perfect in a martini. The red onions will turn the brine a very pretty shade of pink. From Beth Dooley.
• 3 c. pearl onions, mix of red, white and gold
• 8 cloves
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 6 whole bay leaves
• 2 c. water
• 2 c. white wine vinegar
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 2 tsp. kosher salt
Directions
In a pot of rapidly boiling water, blanch the onions for about 30 seconds, drain and allow to cool. Slip off the skins and put into a large, clean jar or several smaller glass jars. Add the cloves, thyme and bay leaves to the onions.
In a medium saucepan stir together 2 cups water, vinegar, sugar and salt; set over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt. Pour the brine over the onions. Cool and cover, then refrigerate. Allow about 2 to 3 days for the onions to pickle before serving.
It’s too soon to tell how much the immigration crackdown is to blame.
