Pickled Northern

• 1  cup kosher salt
• 5 cups water, divided
• 1 pound pike, cur into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 cups cider or white wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard seed
• 2 teaspoons whole allspice
• 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• Peel of 1 lemon, sliced and white pith removed
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

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1. Heat 4 cups of water enough to dissolve salt. Let this brine cool to at least room temperature, preferably colder. When it is cold enough, submerge the pike pieces in the brine and refrigerate overnight. Meanwhile, bring the sugar, vinegar, the remaining cup of water and all the spices to a boil. Simmer 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and let this steep until cool.
2. When the pike has brined, layer it in a glass jar with the sliced lemon peel, bay leaves and red onion. Pour over the cooled pickling liquid with all the spice and seal the jars. Wait at least a day before eating, and I find it best after about a week to 10 days. Store in the fridge for up to 1 month.