Lime Sweet Pickles

• 7 lbs. cucumbers
• 2 c. slack lime (commercial lime - not agriculture)
• 2 gal. water
• 2 qt. dark vinegar
• 4 1/2 lbs. sugar
• 1 to 2 Tbsps. salt
• 1 tsp. celery seed
• 1 Tbsp. mixed pickling spices
• 1/2 tsp. green food coloring

1. Slice cucumbers.
2. Mix well the lime and water in large crock or container - do not use aluminum - add cucumbers and soak for 24 hours.
3. Drain, rinse and wash well - handle carefully.
4. Cover with cold water and let stand for 3 hours.
5. Drain and cover with hot brine made of remaining ingredients.
6. Simmer for 30 minutes and seal in hot jars.
7. Makes 4 or 5 qts.
8. If you have lime left over from this year's pickles, do not use next year.
9. It is the fresh lime that makes the crispness.

cucumbers, slack lime, water, dark vinegar, sugar, salt, celery, mixed pickling, green food coloring

Taken from www.cookbooks.com/Recipe-Details.aspx?id=1032980 (may not work)