Watermelon Pickles
Perhaps the most novel of preserves is watermelon pickles.
6 servings
Time to prepare: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Difficult
Ingredients
2 lbs. watermelon rind1 quart cold water
1/2 Tbs. slake lime
2 cups cider vinegar
2 cups water
1 3/4 lbs. sugar
1 Tbs. each whole allspice and whole cloves
3 pices, 3-inch stick cinnamon
1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
Green food coloring, optional
Directions
Use firm, not overripe, watermelon with thick rind. Trim off green skin and all pink pulp. Cut into 1-inch cubes.Combine 1 quart cold water and slake lime. Pour over rind in enamel pan. Let stand 1 hour. Drain. Cover with fresh water.
In enamel pan, place rind and fresh water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes or until rind is tender when pierced with a form. Drain.
Make a syrup of the vinegar, 2 cups water and sugar by bringing to a boil. Cook until sugar is dissolved.
Add spices (tied in a cheesecloth bag for easy removal) and the rind. Simmer, uncovered, over low heat for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until rind looks clear. Remove spices. Add lemon slices.
Pack pickles in hot sterile jars. Fill with hot syrup, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Seal and store in a cool place.
*This recipe was printed from http://www.zamzy.com/recipe/54266/recipes-canning-and-preserves-watermelon-pickles.html