Hot and Spicy Zucchini Pickles

From yahoo group files "These perky pickles are crisp and tangy, with a little punch. Add them to a crudités platter to liven up the party, or serve alongside a simple sandwich."

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Yields: 6 pints

Ingredients

• 4  lbs zucchini (no larger than 2-inch in diameter)
• 4  cups  ice cubes
• 1⁄4 cup pickling salt
• 1  cup granulated sugar
• 4 1⁄2 cups white vinegar
• 2  cups water
• 6  long hot red oranges or 6  yellow chiles, peppers cut lengthwise into strips
• 6  bay leaves
•  mustard seeds

Directions

1. Trim ends from zucchini and cut into 4 x 1/2 x 1/2" sticks, or the length that will fit in jars allowing for 1" headspace, discarding any pieces that are just the interior seed portion.
2. In a large non reactive bowl, layer zucchini, ice cubes and salt, using about 1/3 of each layer. Add cold water to cover by about 1". Place a plate on top to weigh down zucchini. Cover and let stand at a cool room temperature for 3 hours.
3. Meanwhile prepare jars, lids and bands.
4. In a colander, working in batches, drain zucchini well and set aside.
5. In a saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often until sugar is dissolved. Boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to low and keep liquid hot.
6. Working with one jar at a time, pack zucchini and 1/6 of the hot pepper strips into each prepared jar, leaving 1" headspace.
7. Add 1 bay leaf and 1/2 tsp mustard seeds. Pour in hot pickling liquid, leaving a 1/2" headspace. Check for air bubbles and adjust headspace if needed by adding more pickling liquid.
8. Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Adjust time according to your altitude.