Sweet Gherkins

3 #s gherkins/cucmbers

2 1/2 C water

1/2 C salt

2 qts cider vinegar

4 C sugar

2 Tblspoons whole allspice

1 Tblspoon celery seed

1/2 C mustard seed

1 3" cinnamon stick

2 Tblspoon whole cloves

Place all the spices in a spice bag. Wash the gherkins/cucmbers & leacve stem end on. Place them in a large crock. Mix the water & salt in a kettle & bring to the boiling point. Pour it over the gherkins/cucmbers; there shold be enough brine to cover them. Let stand for 24 hours. Drain & rinse. Bring the vinegar to boiling, pour it over the gherkins/cucmbers & let stand another 24 hours. Drain the vinegar into a kettle, adding the sugar & spice bag, then boile the mixture quickly for 5 minutes. Pack the gherkins/cucmbers into hot 1/2 pint jars, leaving 1/2" headspace. Pour the boiling vinegar over them leaving 1/4" headspace. put the lids on & process for 5 minutes in boiling water canner.

wendy