Spicy Mock Apple Rings

Spicy Mock Apple Rings

This delicious spiced mock apple rings recipe, made with zucchini slices, is pickled, flavored with cinnamon sticks, and colored with Red Hot candies.

Preparation Time
1 hr 30 mins
Cooking Time
2 hr 45 mins
Total Time
4 hr 15 mins
Calories
88 Calories

Recipe Instructions

Step 1
Remove the jars from the stockpot and let rest, several inches apart, on a cloth-covered or wood surface, until cool, 12 to 24 hours. Press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure the lid does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool, dark area.
Step 2
Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 20 minutes.
Step 3
Place zucchini slices into a 1-gallon or larger glass jar or crock. Combine 2 cups water (or the amount needed to cover zucchini) and pickling lime in a nonreactive bowl until well combined; pour over zucchini (it should completely cover zucchini). Cover the jar with plastic wrap; set aside for 24 hours.
Step 4
Drain zucchini slices in a colander in the sink; rinse very well under running water to remove all the lime. Wash the glass jar thoroughly; place zucchini back into the jar. Cover with fresh cool water; set aside for 2 to 3 hours.
Step 5
Drain zucchini; rinse again. Place zucchini in a large pot; stir in 1 cup vinegar, food coloring, and alum. Add enough water to cover zucchini; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 2 hours. Drain and discard liquid. Return zucchini to the glass jar.
Step 6
Combine sugar, 3 cups water, remaining 1 cup vinegar, cinnamon sticks, and Red Hot candies in a medium saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar and candies dissolve. Pour syrup over zucchini, cover, and set aside for 24 hours.
Step 7
Strain zucchini; transfer syrup to a small saucepan and bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat.
Step 8
Meanwhile, inspect 8 (½-pint) jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in boiling water for at least 5 minutes, then simmer jars until mock apple rings are ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
Step 9
Pack zucchini slices into hot, sterilized jars, then pour in hot syrup, filling to within ¼ inch of the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any residue. Top with the lids and screw the rings on tightly.

Ingredients

  • 5 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 cups water, or amount to cover
  • 1 cup pickling lime (calcium hydroxide)
  • 4 cups zucchini, sliced
  • 1 fluid ounce bottle of red food coloring
  • 0.5 cup cinnamon red hot candies
  • 0.75 teaspoon alum

Categories

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