Rind Preserves

Ingredients

 * 4 pounds (11 cups) of watermelon rind
 * 9 cups sugar
 * Pickling lime
 * 4 lemons, sliced thin
 * 4 teaspoons stick cinnamon
 * 4 teaspoons whole cloves

Directions

 * 1) Select watermelons with thick rinds.
 * 2) Cut off all green skin and pink portions, using only the white part of the rind.
 * 3) Cut into 1-inch cubes.
 * 4) Make pickling lime water by mixing 1 tablespoon pickling lime into 1 quart water.
 * 5) Soak rind in pickling lime water to cover, about 3 1/2 hours.
 * 6) Rinse several times with cold water.
 * 7) Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, then at least one more time to remove all traces of lime.
 * 8) Cover with additional water and cook until tender.
 * 9) Drain well.
 * 10) Make a syrup of sugar with 8 cups water.
 * 11) Add lemons.
 * 12) Tie the cinnamon and cloves into a piece of cheesecloth and add to syrup.
 * 13) Let boil 5 minutes.
 * 14) Remove lemon slices, add melon rind to syrup and cook until transparent.
 * 15) Remove spices. Skim off foam.
 * 16) Let stand overnight or until cold to plump fruit.
 * 17) Stir occasionally. Reheat slices in syrup until boiling.
 * 18) Pack into hot jars to within 1/2 inch of top.
 * 19) Wipe tops of jars clean and seal.
 * 20) Process for 15 minutes in boiling water deep enough to cover the lids by at least 1 inch.

Contributed by:
Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Quick_Meals_For_Busy_People Back of Box, jar and cans recipes http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Quick_Vegetarian_Recipes NEW GROUP Check them out
 * World Recipes Y-Group