Sweet Gherkins

Instructions

1. 1

   cucumbers, washed and blossom ends removed 1/2 cup salt 8 cups granulated sugar 6 cups distilled white vinegar 3/4 teaspoon turmeric 2 teaspoons celery seed 2 teaspoons whole pickling spice 8 (1-inch) pieces cinnamon stick 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed (optional) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) First Day In morning, place cucumbers in large bowl and cover with boiling water; let stand 6 hours.

2. 2

   In afternoon, drain and cover again with fresh boiling water.

3. 3

   Let stand overnight.

4. 4

   Second Day In morning, drain cucumbers and cover with fresh boiling water; let stand 6 hours.

5. 5

   In afternoon, drain cucumbers; add salt; cover with fresh boiling water.

6. 6

   Third Day In morning, drain cucumbers; prick with fork.

7. 7

   Combine 3 cup of the sugar, 3 cups of the vinegar and herbs and spices (except vanilla extract) in a pan.

8. 8

   Heat to the boiling point and pour over cucumbers.

9. 9

   In afternoon, drain into a large pan; add 2 cups of the sugar and 2 cups of the vinegar.

10. 10

    Heat to the boiling point and pour over pickles.

11. 11

    Cover and let stand.

12. 12

    Fourth Day In morning, drain into a large pan; add 2 cups of the sugar and 1 cup of the vinegar.

13. 13

    Heat to boiling and pour over pickles.

14. 14

    In afternoon, prepare jars.

15. 15

    Drain syrup off pickles into large pan; add remaining 1 cup sugar and the vanilla extract (if desired) to syrup; heat to boiling.

16. 16

    Pack pickles into clean, hot jars.

17. 17

    Cover with hot syrup, leaving 1/2-inch headspace; seal.

18. 18

    Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

19. 19

    Yields 7 to 8 pints.