Pickled Red Onions

Brine Ingredients:
 2 cups water 
1 cup white vinegar 
1/3 cup granulated sugar 
3½ Tbsp salt    
Onion Ingredients:
1kg red onions 
1¾ tsp salt 
2 tsp whole peppercorns 
3 dried bay leaves    

Directions: 
Slice off ends of onions, peel off outer layer. 
Cut in half, thinly slice onions. 
Put onions in a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the 1¾ tsp salt on and gently mix with tongs. 
Set aside for 30 minutes. 

To make the brine, add all the brine ingredients into a tall saucepan, bring to a boil.  
Divide the peppercorns and bay leaves between the 3 sterlized jars. 
Rinse the onions well, drain in a colander, shaking off any water. 
Divide between the 3 mason jars, packing in tightly. 
Pour the hot brine over, using the air bubble tool to swish, adding more brine as needed to reach a ½” head space. 
Wipe the rims with a clean damp paper towel. 
Place a lid on top, put ring on finger tight. 
Pace jars back in canning kettle, bring to a boil and process for 10 minutes. 
Take out, let cool on the counter.
Check for lids being down (if any do not seal, put in refrigerator and consume within 2 weeks) Makes 3 pints. 
Use within a year