Dissolve 2 cups dehydrated lime in 8 1/2 quarts water. Peel and cut about 1/3" thick. Cut out centers. Put rings in lime water and let stand 24 hours. Drain rings and wash in cold water. Pour water over rings and soak for 3 hours and drain.
Add 1 cup vinegar, 1 small bottle of red food coloring, and 1 T alum and enough water to cover. Heat and simmer for 2 hours and drain.
Make syrup of 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups water and 10 cups sugar. Add 8 sticks of cinnamon and 1 pkg of red hot candies (10 ounce bag).
If you need more syrup, make a small batch of the vinegar, water and sugar.
Pour boiling hot over rings. Keep lid on tight. Let stand overnight. Drain and reheat 3 mornings. The last morning, heat rings and liquid to boiling and pack in jars and seal in any size jar.
