SPICY PICKLED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Prepare a boiling water bath canner and two 24-ounce jars (you can also substitute four 12-ounce jelly jars). Place lids in a small pan of water and bring to a bare simmer.
• Combine apple cider vinegar, water and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
• Fill a pan with several inches of water and bring to a boil.
• While the blanching pot heats, wash asparagus and trim to fit in your jars.
• When water is boiling, blanch asparagus for 60 seconds. When time is up, transfer asparagus to a colander and rinse with cold water.
• Remove jars from the canning pot and drain. Divide garlic cloves, crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper evenly between jars. Pack asparagus spears into jars.
• Pour pickling liquid over the asparagus, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Tap jars gently to remove any air bubbles. Add more liquid to return headspace to 1/2 inch, if necessary.
• Wipe rims, apply lids and rings, and process jars in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes.
• When time is up, remove jars from canner and let them cool on a folded kitchen towel.
• Let them cure for at least a week before eating.