Sweet Gerkins

Directions

1. 1
   These pickles take 4 days to make.
2. 2
   Day 1
3. 3
   In morning, place cucumbers in large bowl and cover with boiling water; let stand 6 hours.
4. 4
   In afternoon, drain and cover again with fresh boiling water.
5. 5
   Let stand overnight.
6. 6
   Day 2
7. 7
   In morning, drain cucumbers and cover with fresh boiling water; let stand 6 hours.
8. 8
   In afternoon, drain cucumbers; add salt; cover with fresh boiling water.
9. 9
   Day 3
10. 10
    In morning, drain cucumbers; prick with fork.
11. 11
    Combine 3 cup of the sugar, 3 cups of the vinegar and herbs and spices (except vanilla extract) in a pan.
12. 12
    Heat to the boiling point and pour over cucumbers.
13. 13
    In afternoon, drain into a large pan; add 2 cups of the sugar and 2 cups of the vinegar.
14. 14
    Heat to the boiling point and pour over pickles.
15. 15
    Cover and let stand.
16. 16
    Day 4
17. 17
    In morning, drain into a large pan; add 2 cups of the sugar and 1 cup of the vinegar.
18. 18
    Heat to boiling and pour over pickles.
19. 19
    In afternoon, prepare jars.
20. 20
    Drain syrup off pickles into large pan; add remaining 1 cup sugar and the vanilla extract (if desired) to syrup; heat to boiling.
21. 21
    Pack pickles into clean, hot jars.
22. 22
    Cover with hot syrup, leaving 1/2-inch headspace; seal.
23. 23
    Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
24. 24
    Make 7 to 8 pints.