Garlic Dill Pickles

4 lb Pickling cucumbers (3-4 in)

6 c Water

4 1/2 c Apple cider vinegar

6 tb Pickling salt

3/4 ts Crushed red pepper (opt)

16 ea Clove of garlic - split

16 ea Head of fresh dill

Wash cucumbers and remove 1/16 inch from blossom end. In a 3 quart saucepan, combine water, vinegar, salt, and red pepper. Bring to a boil. Meanwhile, place 2 pieces of garlic and 1 head of dill in each hot pint jar. Firmly pack cucumbers upright in jars, leaving 1/2 inch head space. Place 2 additional pieces of garlic and 1 head of dill on top of cucumbers. Immediately pour hot vinegar mixture over cucumbers, leaving 1/2 inch head space. Carefully run a non-metallic utensil down inside of jars to remove trapped air bubbles. Wipe jar tops and threads clean. Place hot lids on jars and screw bands on firmly. Process in boiling water canner for 10 minutes.