Lime Sweet Pickles - cooking recipe

Ingredients

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

Preparation

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