Spicy Mock Apple Rings Recipes

Steps:

• 1. In a large skillet, combine sugar, water and candies.
• 2. Stir over medium heat until sugar and candies dissolve.
• 3. Cut apples into 1/2 inch thick rings. Add apple to the syrup in skillet.
• 4. Simmer gently until transparent but not soft, turning occasionally. about 20 minutes
• 5. Cool in syrup.

Steps:

• 1. In 12 inch skillet heat all ingredients except apples to boiling. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors. Red food coloring is optional, but makes these very pretty.
• 2. Meanwhile, core apples (but leave peel on) and slice into 1/4 inch thick rings. Cook half of rings at a time in liquid. Simmer until tender but FIRM, about 3-5 minutes. Dip out first half of apples rings and cook second half in same liquid.
• 3. Discard lemon slices. Place all apple rings in a serving bowl and pour liquid over all. Cover and refrigerate for up to one week. Serve cold as a side dish or appetizer. Great with poultry or pork. Can also be used as a topping for ice cream.
• 4. TO USE AS A GIFT: Arrange apple slices in a half-pint jar. Pour liquid over apples and place a lid on jar. Give with a card indicating that apples must be refrigerated and should be used within one week.

Steps:

• 1. Wash and peel the cucumbers. Take an apple corer and remove the seeds from center of cucumbers. Cut into 1/2-inch slices. You will have circles that resemble doughnuts.
• 2. Mix lime and 8 1/2 qts. water, then pour over cucumbers and soak 24 hours. Drain and wash well with clean water.
• 3. Cover cucumbers in clean, cool water and soak 3 hours, then drain off water. In large pot combine the cucumbers, vinegar, food coloring, alum and enough water to cover cucumbers. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours. Drain and discard water.
• 4. Mix cinnamon sticks, 5 cups water, sugar and candy and bring to a boil. Pour mixture over cucumbers. Bring this mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and soak overnight.
• 5. Remove rings and put in jars with 4 clove sticks in each clean jar. Bring syrup mixture to a boil and cover rings in jars with it leaving 1/2 inch head space. Make sure top of jar rim is clean and dry. Put lids and rings on and tighten slightly.
• 6. Place jars in water bath and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes. Careflly remove jars from water and tighten rings on lids. Cool. Store in a cool dark place.
• 7. Makes 16 pints.