Red-Hot Cinnamon Pickles are a unique and vibrant twist on traditional pickles, combining the sweet heat of cinnamon candies with the tangy crunch of pickled cucumbers. These bright red pickles are sweet, spicy, and bursting with flavor, making them a fun addition to holiday tables, gift baskets, or as a delicious snack. The unusual combination of cinnamon and pickles creates a perfectly balanced sweet-and-savory treat with a kick of heat. These pickles take time to brine but are well worth the wait, providing a one-of-a-kind treat that’s sure to surprise and delight.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs cucumbers (medium-sized)
- 2 cups pickling lime
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp alum (optional, for crispness)
- 1 (12 oz) package red-hot cinnamon candies
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cucumbers:
- Peel the cucumbers, slice them into rounds or spears, and remove any seeds if necessary. In a large bowl, dissolve the pickling lime in enough water to cover the cucumbers. Soak the cucumber slices in the lime solution for 24 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Rinse the Cucumbers:
- After soaking, rinse the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water multiple times to remove the lime. Soak them in fresh cold water for 3-4 hours, changing the water every hour.
- Cook the Cucumbers:
- In a large pot, combine the 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of water, and alum (if using). Bring to a boil, add the rinsed cucumbers, and simmer for 2 hours. Drain the cucumbers.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Syrup:
- In a separate pot, combine the red-hot cinnamon candies, 3 cups of sugar, 2 cups of apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon sticks. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the candies are melted and the sugar is dissolved.
- Soak in Cinnamon Syrup:
- Pour the hot cinnamon syrup over the drained cucumbers and let them sit overnight.
- Finish the Pickles:
- The next day, bring the cucumber and syrup mixture to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the cinnamon sticks and pack the hot pickles into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Red-Hot Cinnamon Pickles are a fun, eye-catching treat with a sweet and spicy kick. Perfect for adventurous eaters, they make a unique addition to any holiday spread or a delightful homemade gift!
