Michelle, Yes, you can. Check out the tips section for more ideas.

Melody, Yes, you can use the estimated amount.

“Three large or five medium sweet peppers (1 pound) equals 3 to 4 cups chopped”.

Kate, It’s great to hear that you’ve had success with this recipe! When it comes to leftover brine, it’s not unusual in pickling recipes. The amount of brine required can vary depending on the size and density of the peppers. In this recipe, it’s perfectly fine to have some extra brine. It’s better to have a little too much brine than not enough. As for packing the peppers in the jars, you can pack them moderately tight, but they don’t need to be overly compressed. The important thing is that there’s enough brine to cover the peppers completely, which ensures they pickle evenly and are preserved safely. The leftover brine can be repurposed into a tasty marinade or salad dressing.