Open Jar Pickles

These pickles need not be sealed and will keep indefinitely. They are crisp and delicious.

Ingredients

• 9 pounds medium-size cucumbers
• 1 tablespoon alum
• 1 pint vinegar
• 1 pint water
• 3 pounds granulated sugar
• 6 cups vinegar
• 1 ounce stick cinnamon
• 1/2 ounce whole allspice

Instructions

1. Make salt brine to cover cucumbers, using 1 cup salt to 1 gallon water. Let stand for 3 days, then drain.
2. Soak cucumbers in cold water for the next 3 days, changing the water each day.
3. Drain and cut pickles crosswise into 2 or 3 pieces.
4. Mix 1 pint vinegar with 1 pint water, add alum and allow pickles to simmer in this solution for 2 hours. For a greener appearance, a little green coloring may be added.
5. Drain and pack in earthen or glass jar.
6. Combine sugar, vinegar and spices and let boil 5 minutes.
7. Pour hot syrup over pickles.