Aunt Doris Company Chums

Ingrediente

12 to 15 medium cucumbers

Water

8 cups sugar

1 quart vinegar

4 tablespoons salt

2 tablespoons mixed whole pickling spices

2 teaspoons celery seeds (optional)

1/4 teaspoon green food coloring (optional)

Instrucțiuni

Days 1–5

Cover cucumbers with boiling water. Let stand overnight. Drain.

Repeat this process for 4 successive days:

Cover with fresh boiling water.

Let stand overnight.

Drain.

Day 6

Slice cucumbers into 1/4- to 1/2-inch slices.

Make the syrup:

Combine sugar, vinegar, salt, celery seeds (if using), food coloring (if using), and pickling spices tied loosely in a cheesecloth bag.

Heat to boiling.

Pour the boiling syrup over the cucumber slices.

Let stand overnight.

Days 7–9

Each morning:

Drain off the syrup.

Bring the syrup back to a boil.

Pour it over the cucumber slices again.

Let stand overnight.

Repeat this process 3 more days.

Final Day (Day 10)

Pack cucumber slices into hot, sterilized jars, one at a time.

Bring the syrup to a full boil.

Remove and discard the spice bag.

Pour the hot syrup over the cucumber slices, filling each jar to the top.

Seal immediately.

Yield: 5 pints