CRISP GREEN TOMATO PICKLES

CRISP GREEN TOMATO PICKLES image

Provided by Tere Gill

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 1/2 lb green tomatoes, sliced fairly thin (1/4")
cold water and ice
1 c pickling lime
1 qt apple cider vinegar
2 1/2 lb white sugar
1 Tbsp pickling salt
1 tsp mixed pickling spice
1 Tbsp whole cloves
2 drops green food coloring (optional)

Steps:

1. Place tomato slices in extra large nonreactive bowl or pot (no aluminum or plastic.)
2. Sprinkle with the pickling lime.
3. Pour 1 gallon of cold water over the slices and allow to soak for 24 hours. (You may very gently lift and stir slices, to redistribute lime, once or twice.)
4. After the 24 hrs., gently rinse very thoroughly.
5. Cover tomatoes with ice water and allow to sit for 3 hours.
6. Meanwhile, in another extra large bowl or pot, mix together vinegar, sugar,salt, pickling spice and cloves.
7. Drain the tomato slices after the 3 hrs.
8. Add to the vinegar mixture and let sit overnight.
9. The next day prepare canning jars and equipment, then pour the tomatoes and vinegar mixture into a large pot, and bring to a low boil for 30 minutes. (Food coloring may be added, if desired.)
10. Remove from heat and fill hot, sterile pint jars to 1/2 inch from the rim, add lids and rings and process in hot water bath for 10 minutes.
11. Instead of canning, may be frozen in plastic freezer containers. Thaw in refrigerator.
12. Store opened containers in refrigerator.
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14. An Evening Prayer If I have wounded any soul today, If I have caused one foot to go astray, If I have walked in my own willful way, Dear Lord, forgive. Forgive the sins that I have confessed to Thee, Forgive the secret sins I do not see, O guide me, love me, and my keeper be, Dear Lord, Amen.