Mrs. Skidmore's Cucumber Cinnamon Ring Pickles

Peel large cucumbers. Cut in half crosswise. Scrape insides out.

Cut into slices (rings) approximately 1/3-inch thick to make 2 gallons.

Soak in 8 1/2 quarts of water for 24 hours. Drain and wash. Soak in tap water 3 hours and drain.

Mix 1 cup vinegar, food coloring, alum and enough water to cover. Simmer for 2 hours. (May need to divide into 2 pots.)

Drain and discard water.

Mix cinnamon sticks, 3 cups vinegar, sugar, candies and 3 cups water. Add to rings and boil until rings turn clear (takes 15 to 20 minutes). Fill jars and add 4 whole cloves to each pint. Seal jars.