Pickled Green Tomatoes

1. For pickling liquid, in a small saucepan combine vinegar, water, sugar, and the 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat and boil gently, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

2. Cut tomatoes into 1/4-inch-thick slices. In a large saucepan cook tomatoes and the 1 teaspoon salt, covered, in a small amount of boiling water for 1 minute. Drain; rinse with cold water. Drain well; transfer to three hot, clean half-pint jars. In each jar, place 1 teaspoon of the dill seed and, if desired, 1 or 2 serrano peppers. Pour hot pickling liquid over tomatoes, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace. Seal and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 weeks. Makes 3 half-pint jars.