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.
