These taste like crisp watermelon rind pickles and a beautiful color for Christmas giving....great way to use up the last of the harvest of big cukes.

Slice, peel and remove seed from cucumbers that have turned yellow. Slice 1/2 inch thick - will look like doughnut.

Place in large container:

• 2 gallons (7 lbs) sliced cucumber rings
• 2 cups pickling lime

Cover with water and soak 24 hours.

Then drain off water and wash well. Cover with COLD water and soak for 3 hours. Drain again.

Mix and pour over cucumbers:

• 1 cup vinegar
• 1 small bottle of red food coloring
• 1 tbsp alum
• Water enough to cover cucumbers

Put on stove and simmer for 2 hours. Drain and throw away water.

Heat and pour over cucumbers:

• 2 cups vinegar
• 10 cups sugar (5 lbs)
• 2 cups water
• **** 6 cinnamon sticks
• 1 cup red hot candies

For the next 2 mornings, drain off juice and reheat juice. DO NOT LET THE JUICE BOIL. Pour over cucumbers, keeping lid over cucumbers to hold in heat and steam.

The third morning, reheat juice and pickles together, REMOVE CINNAMON STICKS AND DISCARD. Place in clean hot jars.

****remove cinnamon sticks before draining each time. Throw away cinnamon sticks before putting in jars.

Seal as usual.