Spiced Cantaloupe

Photo: flickr user B.D.'s world

Ingredients

4 mediums cantaloupes

3 quarts water

2 teaspoons alum

4 cups sugar

2 cups white vinegar

1 cup water

4 cinnamon sticks - (3" ea)

1 tablespoon whole cloves

1 tablespoon whole allspice

Preparation

Cut melons lengthwise into eighths. Remove seeds, peel and cut each section into 1/2-inch pieces. Combine water and alum; pour over melon and cover. Let stand overnight. Drain.

In deep pot, mix sugar, vinegar, water and spices tied in a cheesecloth bag. Add melon, cover and boil 15 minutes. Remove spice bag. Pack melon pieces tightly into hot sterilized jars. Pour boiling syrup over melon, to within 1/8-inch from top, making sure melon is covered. Seal at once.

This recipe yields 5 pints.

Yield: 5 pints