1lbcarrotspeeled and cut into 3-4-inch strips (quartered or about 1/2 inch thick)
1small head cauliflowercut into 1- 1 1/2-inch florets
8 radishessliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds
1large fennel bulb(trimmed of stalks), cut into 1/2-inch wide strips
3 1/2cupswhite vinegar
1 cup sugaror preferred noncaloric sweetener
1 3/4cupswater
3large garlic clovessmashed
1 TbsKosher saltdo not use iodized
1tspred pepper flakes
1/2tspfennel seeds
Instructions
Bring a large pot of unsalted water to a boil, and add vegetables. Immediately remove pot from heat, and let stand for 2 minutes, uncovered.
Drain vegetables in a colander, and spread out on a clean kitchen towel to cool.
Bring remaining ingredients to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove pickling liquid from heat, and let cool to room temperature.
Discard garlic, pour liquid into a large glass bowl or container with a lid, and add cooled vegetables to the pickling liquid.
Make sure vegetables are well submerged. Chill, covered, at least 24 hours for flavor to develop.
Notes
Adapted from Gourmet magazineIf you have time, make this a few days in advance. The vegetables will become more flavorful as they absorb the pickling liquid.