==== Quick Onion Pickles ====

**Ingredients**

  * 1 medium red onion, about 5 ounces
  * 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  * 1/2 teaspoon salt
  * 3/4 cup rice vinegar, white vinegar, or apple cider vinegar

**Flavorings (optional):**
  * 1 small clove of garlic, halved
  * 5 black peppercorns
  * 5 allspice berries
  * 3 small sprigs of thyme
  * 1 small dried chili
    
**Slice the onions:** Start 2 or 3 cups of water on to boil in a kettle. Peel and thinly slice the onion into approximately 1/4-inch moons. Peel and cut the garlic clove in half.

**Dissolve the sugar and salt:** In the container you will be using to store the onions, add the sugar, salt, vinegar, and flavorings. Stir to dissolve.

**Par-blanch the onions:** (This can be skipped) Place the onions in the sieve and place the sieve in the sink. Slowly pour the boiling water over the onions and let them drain.

**Add the onions to the jar:** Add the onions to the jar and stir gently to evenly distribute the flavorings.

**Store:** The onions will be ready in about 30 minutes, but are better after a few hours. Store in the refrigerator. They will keep for several weeks, but are best in the first week.