CINNAMON SWEET PICKLES (GERMAN)

CINNAMON SWEET PICKLES (GERMAN)

2 c. pickling lime 3 c. cider vinegar 1 tbsp. alum 1 sm. bottle red or green food coloring 8 c. sugar 10 c. cinnamon sticks 15 oz. cinnamon red hot candy DAY 1: Peel, seed and slice cucumbers, Wash in cold water. Place in large kettle. Add 2 cups lime and 8 quarts cold water. Let sit 24 hours. DAY 2: 1. Drain and wash all lime off pickles, using cold water. Put back in kettle and cover with cold water, soaking 3 hours. 2. Drain. Add mixture of 1 cup vinegar, alum, food coloring (to degree of color desired) and enough water to cover cucumbers. Simmer 2 hours. Drain and set aside. 3. In 4 quart saucepan, make syrup from 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups water, 8 cups of sugar, cinnamon sticks and red hot candy. Bring to a boil until all is dissolved. 4. Strain syrup over cucumbers. Leave in cinnamon. Discard undissolved candy. Let sit overnight, covered. DAY 3: Drain syrup into saucepan. Reheat to boiling. Pour back over cucumbers. Let sit overnight again, covered. DAY 4: Repeat day 3. DAY 5: Reheat syrup and cucumbers in kettle to boiling. Remove cinnamon. Pack into sterilized jars and seal. Let jars sit 2 weeks before using. Makes 4 to 5 quarts.