Lime Pickles

Here is my first attempt at Mama Dessie’s lime pickles (see recent post). Everyone remembers these, but I had a hard time finding the recipe. Mom finally found it in an old recipe book and sent it to me (thanks Mom). Of course I didn’t want to do 7 pounds to start with, actually I couldn’t find 7 pounds, I could only find 2. Conversions galore.

This is the first time I’ve used lime. Weird stuff, makes the cucumbers VERY crisp.

Ingredients:
2 lbs cucumbers
12 cups water
2 cups slated lime (hydrated)
3.5 cups sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp (scant) pickling spice
1/2 tsp (scant) celery seed
1/2 tsp (scant) whole cloves
3 cups cider vinegar

Yields approximately 3 pints

Directions:
1. Slice cucumbers and place in enamel crock or plastic tub.

2. Add lime and cover with water. Stir to mix.
 

3. Cover with a plate to weigh down. Cover crock.
 

4. Rinse thoroughly in several changes of water. Cover in water and let stand for 3 hours.

5. Combine sugar, vinegar, and spices. Pour over cucumbers. Let stand over night.
 

6.  Pour everything into a large pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for 40 minutes.
 

7. Pack into sterilized jars and process for 11 minutes.