The best things in life are free (which may include pickles)...

Best things in life: are they FREE? 

Depends who you ask... Janet and Luther would probably say yes.  Damon and Stacey, same deal, for sure.  And I tend to agree, as a general rule, with the opinions of *all* singers and lipsynchers, on any topic... but especially those that fall in the realm of social justice (i.e. given your basic needs are met, like shelter and music, let's all stop and smell the roses).

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So, yeah, that brings me to our next question... best things in life: pickles?

Could be.  Right?

For Janet and Luther (and their adherents), we must first ask... pickles: are they free? 

Not exactly, but they could be close, depending on your garden situation. 

Regardless, if you can acquire the following equipment and ingredients:

  2 1 liter canning jars
  1 1/4 cups distilled white vinegar

  1/4 cup sugar
  4 teaspoons kosher salt
  1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  2 1/4 cups hot water
  2 pounds kirby cucumbers, quartered lengthwise
  3/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh dill
  4 garlic cloves, smashed
  1/4 cup sliced white onions

And go forth with the aforementioned equipment/ingredients in the following manner:

1. In a large, heatproof measuring cup, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and red pepper flakes with the hot water and stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Let this brine cool (any salted solution is generally known as a "brine").
2. Divide the cucumbers, dill, garlic, onion, and brine among the two jars.  If there is not enough brine to cover the cucumbers, then add more water/vinegar in a 2:1 ratio, though this ratio can be adjusted to your taste.  (I usually err on the side of water than vinegar when I'm in the position to choose, but, again, it's more a matter of taste and personal experimentation.)
3. Refrigerate the pickles overnight, and shake gently once or twice during the first 24 hour period.
4. Serve cold; they should last for at least a couple of weeks in your fridge.   

Delicious homemade pickles you and your loved ones shall eat!  Best pickles you'll probably ever have, free or not, so why not give some away and make some friends-for-life (or solidify business opportunities)?!

Though, I must warn you (and your loved ones)... the garlic in these pickles is a powerful force; eating them is not a time for carelessness (especially careless whispers), so pick your time and place of indulgence wisely.  ;)