• Simmer the washed mason jars and lids in the large pot of water to sterilize the jars before filling them.
  
• As the jars are simmering, wash and dry the cherry tomatoes. Remove any leaves that may be attached. Using a clean knife, needle or skewer, prick each cherry tomato to allow the brine to penetrate the tomatoes. Peel the garlic cloves and cut them in half.
  
• Measure out all the dry ingredients listed above. In a dry pan over medium heat, gently toast the dill seed, mustard seed, black peppercorns, and chili flakes. Once the spices are toasted remove the spices from the pan and set aside.
  
• Measure out the vinegars, water, sugar and salt, and bring them to a boil in a small pot.
  
• As the mixture heats up, remove the mason jars and lids from the large pot of water. Gently place the jars on a dishtowel. Carefully fill each hot jar with an equal amount of the toasted spice mix, 1 half garlic clove, and one sprig of garlic. Pack the jars with the pricked cherry tomatoes.
  
• When the jars are filled and the pickling liquid has come to a boil, carefully pour the hot liquid into each jar, leaving a ½ inch of space to the rim of the jar. If you spilled a little, wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure the jars seal properly.
  

Optional - Quick Pickling The Cherry Tomatoes

• If you are quick pickling the cherry tomatoes, place 1 lid on each mason jar, and let the jars completely cool on the counter. Once room temperature, store the quick pickled cherry tomatoes in the refrigerator.
  

Optional - Canning The Pickled Cherry Tomatoes For Long Term Storage

• If canning the pickled cherry tomatoes, place 1 lid on each mason jar, and just barely hand tighten the lids. Using canning tongs, gently place each jar into the large pot of boiling water, making sure there is at least 1 inch of water above the lids after all the jars are in. Bring the water back to a boil, and process the jars for 15 minutes (start the time when the water boils). Once processed, remove the canned jars from the water and gently place on the dishtowel to cool. Let cool completely.