Lime Cucumber Pickles
["7 lb. cucumbers, sliced", "1 c. Mrs. Wages pickling lime", "2 gal. water", "8 c. distilled white vinegar (5%)", "8 c. sugar", "1 Tbsp. salt (optional)", "2 tsp. mixed pickling spices", "onions and bell peppers (optional)"]
["Soak clean cucumbers in water and lime mixture in crockery or enamel ware for 12 hours or overnight.", "Do not use aluminum ware. Remove sliced cucumbers from lime water.", "Discard lime water. Rinse 3 times in fresh, cold water.", "Soak 3 hours in fresh ice water.", "Combine vinegar, sugar, salt and mixed pickling spices in large pot.", "Bring to a low boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove syrup from heat and add sliced cucumbers.", "Soak 5 to 6 hours or overnight."]
["cucumbers", "lime", "water", "white vinegar", "sugar", "salt", "mixed pickling", "onions"]