Turn summer's fresh vegetables into Fast Homemade Pickles.

Cucumbers 
Line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels and lightly sprinkle with coarse salt. Arrange 4 small cucumbers, sliced 1/8 inch thick, on sheet in a single layer and sprinkle with salt. Cover with a second layer of paper towels. Let stand 15 minutes, then pat dry.

Green or Wax Beans 
Remove stem ends from 1 pound green or wax beans.

Pearl Onions 
Soak 10 ounces pearl onions in ice water for 10 minutes. Using a paring knife, trim and peel onions.

Fennel 
Trim and cut off fronds from 2 fennel bulbs. Cut bulbs lengthwise through core into 1/2-inch-thick slices.