Bloody Mary Celery Sticks

I make up a jar of these when I'm serving Bloody Marys to a few people, and sometimes I make a jar of them up just for my husband and myself. We can snack on these spicy, garlicky babies even without the cocktails! Cook time listed is chill time. These can be made in a bowl as well, see note.

• Ready In: 5 hrs 10 mins
• Serves: 10-14

Ingredients

• 2  cups white vinegar
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons salt
• 6 -8  garlic cloves, smashed
• 1  tablespoon mustard seeds
• 2  teaspoons  red chili pepper flakes
• 1  tablespoon  cracked peppercorn
• 10 -14  celery ribs, peeled and cut into lengths

Directions

1. Cut celery stalks into lengths to stand up in quart wide mouth jar with a little wiggle room and just enough head room to pour in the brine and place on the lid.
2. Bring all ingredients except celery to a boil just so sugar and salt dissolve.
3. Remove from heat and pour over celery. Push down and adjust seeds and garlic cloves. Cool for a few minutes, place on the lid, and cool all the way, then refrigerate until completely chilled, 2 or 3 hours. They are now ready to serve in Bloody Marys or on a relish tray.
4. NOTE: You can also cut these in lengths to fit a pint jar, or submerged in a bowl, weighing them down with a small plate. In this case, cut the ingredients in half.