Put papaya and baking powder in 2 qt water and soak for 1 hour.
Strain, wash carefully, and put in heavy kettle. Add sugar, mix, and
cook, covered, over low heat, for 30 minutes. This should render
juice to make sauce; if not, add water. Uncover, add cinnamon or
vanilla, and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour
or until papayas turn golden and syrup thickens to light stage,
222?F. Remove cinnamon sticks.