Christmas Pickles

SOAKING SOLUTION

 * 9 	Large cucumbers, (8 to 10)
 * 2 	cup	Pickling lime
 * 2 	gal	water

BOILING SOLUTION

 * 1 	cup	vinegar
 * 1 	Bottle Red food coloring (Shilling's is prettiest)
 * 1 	tbsp	alum

SYRUP

 * 2 	cup	vinegar
 * 10 	cup	Sugar, (5 pounds)
 * 2 	cup	water
 * 14 	oz	red hots, (12-14 oz.)
 * 8 	cinnamon sticks, l per jar
 * 2 	tsp	salt
 * 8 	pint	Canning jars

Directions

 * 1) Peel and remove seeds from 8 to 10 large cucumbers.


 * 1) Seeds can be removed with an Apple corer.


 * 1) Slice into 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 inch wide rings.


 * 1) Soak overnight in lime and water in a porcelain container (use non-aluminum).


 * 1) Wash, drain; soak in clear water and covered with ice cubes for 3 hours.


 * 1) Drain. Put in large pot.


 * 1) Cover with water and other ingredients for the boiling solution.


 * 1) Boil for 1 hour; then drain.


 * 1) Make syrup and bring to boil to dissolve Sugar.


 * 1) Use one cinnamon stick for each jar you think you will have.


 * 1) Pour syrup over cucumbers and let stand overnight.


 * 1) Drain syrup from cucumbers into separate pan and bring to a boil.


 * 1) Pour back over cucumbers.


 * 1) After cool, cover with saran wrap. Repeat step 5 for 3 days.


 * 1) On the fourth morning, heat syrup again.


 * 1) While heating, pack cucumbers in sterilized pint jars (larger jars can be used) with cinnamon stick.


 * 1) Pour heated juice into jars to fill up almost to top.


 * 1) If you don"t have enough, make more juice of water and red food coloring.


 * 1) Seal jars. Putting in water bath is optional.