Bread and Butter Pickles

I got turned on to pickling foods after watching Alton Brown, the chef/teacher/star of Good Eats fame.  I've tinkered a bit with this recipe but it is still essentially his.  These are so easy and delicious that, after trying it for the first time, I couldn't believe it had taken me so long to try it.

Place cucumber slices in a 4 cup spring-top jar.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Simmer for a full 4 minutes to wake up the flavors in the spices.

Slowly pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumber slices, completely filling the jar.  Allow the pickles to cool to room temperature before topping off the jar and refrigerating.