Maraschino Cherries

Because of the process used to make maraschino cherries, it is much healthier to make your own.

4 1/2 pounds pitted red cherries

4 1/2 pounds granulated sugar

3 cups water

Juice of 1 lemon

1 ounce almond extract

1 ounce red food coloring

2 quarts water

2 tablespoons salt

1 teaspoon alum

Soak pitted cherries overnight in heated brine.
The next morning, drain cherries. Rinse in cold water.
Combine cherries, water, sugar, lemon juice, and red coloring. Heat to boiling point. Let stand for 24 hours.
Again boil juices, pour over cherries and let stand for 24 hours.
Bring to boil again. Add almond extract and cherries. Pack into hot sterilized jars and seal.
Water bath time from The Ball Blue Book – pints for 20 minutes; quarts for 25 minutes.

Red food coloring may be omitted from this recipe, if desired.

Find it online: https://simplygreatrecipes.com/maraschino-cherries/