8 cups sliced peeled watermelon rind (2x1-in. pieces)
6 cups water
1 cup canning salt
4 cups sugar
2 cups white vinegar
6 cinnamon sticks (3 inches), divided
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
1. Place rind in a large nonreactive bowl; stir in water and salt. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Rinse and drain well.
2. In a Dutch oven, mix sugar, vinegar, 2 cinnamon sticks, cloves and peppercorns. Bring to a boil. Add rinds; return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes or until tender. Discard cinnamon sticks.
3. Carefully ladle hot mixture into four hot 1-pint jars, leaving 1/2-in. headspace. Add a remaining cinnamon stick to each jar. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight.
4. Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 10 minutes. Remove jars and cool.
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 45 min. + chilling Process: 10 min.
YIELD: 4 pints.
Nutrition Facts
1/4 cup: 16 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.