Aunt Flossie'S Watermelon Pickles - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 gal. (about 7 lb.) watermelon rind
2 (2-inch) sticks cinnamon
2 Tbsp. whole cloves
2 Tbsp. whole allspice
10 c. sugar
1 qt. white vinegar

Preparation

Select thick rind from melon.
Cut green skin and pink flesh away.
Discard.
Cut rind into cubes or thin slices.
Soak overnight in cold water, in the refrigerator, if possible.
Drain. Cover with fresh water and boil 20 minutes until tender.
Drain. Tie spices in bag.
Combine sugar and vinegar; add spice bag and simmer to form a thin syrup.
Add rind and simmer until fruit is clear, about 15 minutes.
Pack into hot, sterilized jars and seal. Makes 6 pints.