Sweet Dilly Cocktail Carrots

Sweet Dilly Cocktail Carrots

Cut carrot sticks compatible with the jars you are packing them in, but no longer than 2 1/2 to 3 inches long. Make at least one week ahead.

1 cup granulated sugar
3 cups cider vinegar
1 tbl mustard seed
2 cups water
1 tbl dill seeds
1 tbl celery seeds
2 bay leaves
1 tsp salt
4 large cloves garlic, quartered lengthwise
3 pounds carrots,peeled and cut into sticks

Bring all ingredients except carrots and garlic to a boil in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Cover and reduce heat, simmering for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, pack carrot sticks upright in clean jars and add 4 pieces of garlic to each jar. remove Bay leaves and discard. Ladle hot liquid into jars to cover carrots. Screw on covers and refrigerate up to one month, Allow one week at least for flavors to develop. Serve cold and crisp.