Watermelon Pickles - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 lb. watermelon rind
salt water
1 qt. water
2 c. sugar
1 c. white vinegar
1 c. water
1 Tbsp. broken stick cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. whole cloves
1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
5 halved maraschino cherries (if desired)

Preparation

Trim dark green and pink parts from watermelon rind.
Cut in 1-inch cubes.
Soak overnight in salt water (1/4 cup coarse medium salt to 1 quart water; it may take more to cover).
Drain, rinse and cover with cold water.
Cook until just tender.
Drain. Combine sugar, white vinegar and water.
Add cinnamon and whole cloves tied in a bag.
Simmer 10 minutes.
Remove spice bag.
Add watermelon rind and lemon.
Add cherries, if desired.
Simmer until rind is clear.
Seal boiling hot in hot, sterilized jars to 1/2-inch from top.
Makes 2 pints.