Spicy Melon Pickles

Spicy Melon Pickles

Ingredients:
13 c. cantaloupe, cut into 1" balls or cubes
3 c. vinegar
2 c. water
2 sticks cinnamon
2 t. whole cloves
1 t. whole allspice
1 t. ground nutmeg
4½ c. sugar

Combine vinegar, water and spices in a large sauce pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer five minutes. Remove from heat; add melon; and let stand 1½ to 2 hours. Add sugar to sauce pot. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes or until cantaloupe becomes slightly transparent. Pack melon balls into hot jars, leaving quarter inch headspace. Pour hot syrup over lemon balls, leaving quarter inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Adjust caps. Process 10 minutes in boiling water bath. Yield: about five 12 oz. jars.