red hots (candied cucumbers)

How To Make red hots (candied cucumbers)

• Step 1
  1st Day Peel, core and cut into chunks 2 gallons cucumbers (Use large ones) Mix a solution of: 2 cups of lime and 8 1/2 quarts of water Let cucumbers soak in solution for 24 hours in a non-metal container.
• Step 2
  2nd Day Remove cucumbers from lime and rinse 3 times. Let stand for 3 hours in ice water. Mix a solution of: 1 cup vinegar, 1 small bottle red food coloring, 1 tablespoon alum Place cucumbers in a large pan (like a roaster). Mix enough water with the solution to cover cucumbers, bring to boil then simmer for 2 hours. Drain liquid off and throw away. Add a mixture of: 3 1/2 cups vinegar, 10 cups sugar, 3 1/2 cups water, 8 sticks cinnamon, 3-6 ounce packages cinnamon candies Bring to a boil, stirring till candies are dissolved. Pour over cucumbers and let stand 24 hours.
• Step 3
  3rd Day Drain liquid off into a dutch oven and add 1 cup sugar, bring to a boil. Pour over cucumbers and let stand 24 hours.
• Step 4
  4th Day Same as third day.
• Step 5
  5th Day Bring to boil all ingredients, then place in jars and seal. (You can put jars in a hot water bath for 15 minutes if you desire, but not necessary.) Better to do one batch at a time.
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