*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                      WATERMELON RIND PICKLES (MOM)

Recipe By     : 
Serving Size  : 1    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Mom

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1       ga           Watermelon rind, prepared
   4       tb           Lime (slaked)
                        Water
  10       c            Sugar, granulated (divided)
   8       c            Apple cider vinegar (divide)
                        Cheesecloth
   2       tb           Cloves, whole
   2       tb           Allspice, whole
   4                    Cinnamon sticks
                        Ginger root (2 pieces)

  Peel watermelon, removing all green and pink flesh;
  cut rind into cubes and measure a gallon.  Heat a
  large pot of boiling water; drop rind in and boil for
  5 minutes.  Drain and cool.
  
  Dissolve slaked lime in 2 quarts cold water.  Pour
  over rind; let stand for 4 hours.  Drain and rinse
  thoroughly.  Cover rind with cold water and bring to
  boil; boil till rind is tender and drain.
  
  Combine 4 1/2 cups sugar, 2 cups vinegar and 8 cups
  water.  Add allspice, cloves, cinnamon and ginger root
  (all tied in a cheesecloth bag). Bring to boil; boil
  for 5 minutes.  Add rind and return to boil.  Lower
  heat and simmer for 30 minutes.  Leave rind standing
  in syrup in cool place between 12 and 24 hours.
  
  Add 6 cups vinegar and 6 to 8 cups sugar (to taste);
  bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until rind is
  transparent and syrup is almost as thick as honey.  If
  syrup gets too thick before rind becomes transparent,
  add 1/2 cup hot water, a little at a time, as needed.
  
  Discard bag.  Pack boiling rind and syrup into hot
  jars and seal.  Store at least a month before serving.
 


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