Pare the cantaloupe, remove seeds and cut into strips, 1 × 2 inch or squares. Dissolve the alum in the water and bring to a boil. Add the cantaloupe and cook for 15 minutes. Drain well. Combine vinegar, sugar and spices. Add the cantaloupe and simmer slowly until fruit is transparent (about 45 minutes). Place in hot sterilized jars and seal.

RED BEET EGGS

When making pickled beets, save some of the spicy pickling liquid and put into it a half-dozen, shelled, hard-boiled eggs. These take on a beautiful color and excellent flavor and are grand as appetizers served with crisp hearts of celery. They are also good sliced in sandwiches or salads.

GINGER PEARS

Pare and core the pears. Dice or cut into thin slices. Add water and cook until tender. Add the sugar, ginger, the lemon juice and grated rind. Simmer mixture until thick and pears are transparent. Pour into sterilized jars and seal. Makes 5 pints.

PICKLED BEETS