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.