Mom's Pickles

Step 1: I've included pictures of the process, in case the instructions are confusing. Choose cucumbers that are no bigger around than 1 1/2" (roughly your thumb touching your middle finger).

Step 2: Put lime in a very large bowl with water. Peel cucumbers and cut into 1/4" slices (thinner slices will fall apart).

Step 3: Add pickles to lime mixture and soak for at least 24 hours. I use a spatula to slightly lift or press to agitate the water occasionally while they are soaking. Don't stir them.

Step 4: Drain and rinse, cover with clear water and let soak 3 more hours, drain. At this point, you can put in the fridge, covered until the next day if needed.

Step 5: Sterilize clean jars for 10 minutes at a low boil. It's a good idea to sterilize one more jar then called for, just in case. At the same time, sterilize the funnel and other tools you'll be using. I start with the funnel handle under the lid rack then flip it so both the top and bottom get sterilized.

Step 6: Using new lids, sterilize them by placing in a lid rack in boiling water for 10 minutes. You don't have to sterilize the outer ring of the lid.

Step 7: Heat vinegar, sugar, spices and salt in very large pot to a low boil. Turn your stove vent to high, it will help with the heat and the vinegar smell.

Step 8: Add cucumbers, cover and cook at a low boil for 35 minutes or until cucumbers become clear.

Step 9: Pack in hot sterilized canning jars with new lids. I place my jars in a lasagna pan filled with hot water while I fill them. Use the bubble remover to get the pickles to pack firmly. Wipe the rim with a clean cloth and put the hot lid on top.

Step 10: Screw the ring on, but not too tight. Do not disturb jars as they cool.

Step 11: The next day, test the lids. If it burps, that jar will have to be kept in the fridge.

Step 12: By the way, I've tried doing double batches, but the pickles take too long to cook and the slices break. Next time I'm planning to try 8 lbs of pickles rather than 7, because I have enough juice leftover for another couple of jars.