CRISP GREEN TOMATO PICKLES

Steps:

• 1. Place tomato slices in extra large nonreactive bowl or pot (no aluminum or plastic.)
• 2. Sprinkle with the pickling lime.
• 3. Pour 1 gallon of cold water over the slices and allow to soak for 24 hours. (You may very gently lift and stir slices, to redistribute lime, once or twice.)
• 4. After the 24 hrs., gently rinse very thoroughly.
• 5. Cover tomatoes with ice water and allow to sit for 3 hours.
• 6. Meanwhile, in another extra large bowl or pot, mix together vinegar, sugar,salt, pickling spice and cloves.
• 7. Drain the tomato slices after the 3 hrs.
• 8. Add to the vinegar mixture and let sit overnight.
• 9. The next day prepare canning jars and equipment, then pour the tomatoes and vinegar mixture into a large pot, and bring to a low boil for 30 minutes. (Food coloring may be added, if desired.)
• 10. Remove from heat and fill hot, sterile pint jars to 1/2 inch from the rim, add lids and rings and process in hot water bath for 10 minutes.
• 11. Instead of canning, may be frozen in plastic freezer containers. Thaw in refrigerator.
• 12. Store opened containers in refrigerator.
• 13. ***************************************************************************************
• 14. An Evening Prayer If I have wounded any soul today, If I have caused one foot to go astray, If I have walked in my own willful way, Dear Lord, forgive. Forgive the sins that I have confessed to Thee, Forgive the secret sins I do not see, O guide me, love me, and my keeper be, Dear Lord, Amen.