Candied Cucumber Rings (great Use For Oversized Cucumbers)

Total Time: 98 hrs Preparation Time: 2 hrs Cook Time: 96 hrs

Ingredients

• 2 gallons cucumbers, rings peeled and seeded
• 2 cups pickling lime
• 3 cups vinegar
• 1 ounce red food coloring
• 1 tablespoon alum
• 10 cups sugar
• 8 cinnamon sticks
• 1 (12 ounce) bag red cinnamon candies

Recipe

• 1 remember to use a non reactive cooking pot when doing this recipe. the metal will react with the lime and turn everything black.
• 2 combine cucumber rings, lime and 8 1/2 quarts of water in large container; let stand for 24 hours.
• 3 drain, then rinse in clear water. cover with water; let stand 3 hours; then drain.
• 4 place cucumbers in large kettle; add 1 cup vinegar, food coloring, alum, and enough water to cover. bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 hours and drain.
• 5 combine remaining 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups water, sugar, cinnamon and candy in large saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring until sugar in dissolved. pour over cucumbers; let stand 24 hours.
• 6 drain, reserving syrup. bring syrup to a boil; pour over cucumbers. let stand for 24 hours.
• 7 drain, reserving syrup. bring syrup to a boil; pour over cucumbers. let stand for 24 hours. *this is the last day of soaking.
• 8 after last day of soaking then heat syrup and cucumbers. pack into hot sterilized jars, covering cucumbers with syrup, leaving 1/2 inch head space. cover with sterilized lids and bands screwing bands tight.