[rhysdad]

I've got my shallots in the brine as we speak and i'm going to bottle them tonight. I haven't made any spiced vinegar in advance and was planning to pour over malt vinegar and drop some coriander and mustard seeds in with the jars, along with some peppercorns and chilli slices. Is this way okay, i don't have to boil the vinegar do i?

[Paul Plots]

I used pickling vinegar last year and as far as I can recall I didn't boil anything.

Did you cover the shallots in salt to absorb excess moisture before you bottled them?

[rhysdad]

I used pickling vinegar last year and as far as I can recall I didn't boil anything.

Did you cover the shallots in salt to absorb excess moisture before you bottled them?

Yes i did learner, 24hrs will be up tonight so i'm going to bottle them around 8pm! Yes i think cold vinegar ensures a longer storing, crunchier onion doesn't it?

[plum crumble]

yes it does! a few chunks of ginger root are nice too........

[sunshineband]

Whole thin chillis go down rather well 

(not just slices)

[plum crumble]

mmmmm 

[rhysdad]

Whole thin chillis go down rather well 

(not just slices)

What about whole cayenne peppers?!?

[plum crumble]

yes lovely too

[Paul Plots]

Some of each to compare?

[rhysdad]

Some of each to compare?

Oh dear, too late!! 4 large Kilner jars each full of shallots ALL with a Cayenne pepper in!! Good job i like a bit of spice...!!!

[Paul Plots]

Some of each to compare?

Oh dear, too late!! 4 large Kilner jars each full of shallots ALL with a Cayenne pepper in!! Good job i like a bit of spice...!!!

There's always next year and something to look forward to.