Watermelon Rind Preserves

Ingredients

• 4 teaspoons cinnamon sticks crushed
• 4 teaspoons ground cloves 
• 4  lemons rinsed seeded sliced
• 4 pounds watermelon rind chopped
• 1 dash food coloring red
• 0.5 cup salt 
• 8 cups water 
• 9 cups sugar white

Equipment

• ladle
• pot
• cheesecloth

Directions

1. Peel off the green part of the watermelon rind, and slice into 2 inch pieces. Soak the rind in a solution of 1 gallon water and 1/2 cup salt overnight.
2. Remove rind from the salt water, and place in a stockpot with clean water to cover. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the rind is tender.
3. Drain.
4. In a large pot, combine the sugar, 8 cups water, and sliced lemons. Tie the cinnamon and cloves into a cheesecloth bag, and place in the pot. Bring the syrup to a boil, and boil for 5 minutes.
5. Add the rinds, and cook until transparent.
6. Remove spice bag. Stir in red food coloring, if using. Ladle preserves into hot sterile jars, and process to seal.