Maraschino Cherries

4&1/2lb pitted red cherries

4&1/2 lb white sugar

3 cups water

Juice of 1 lemon

1 oz Almond extract

1 oz red food coloring

Brine:

2 qt water

2 tb salt

1 ts alum

Instructions:

Soak pitted cherries overnight in heated brine.The next morning ,drain cherries.

Rinse in cold water.Combine cherries,water,sugar,lemon juice,and red food coloring.Heat

to boiling point.Let stand 24 hours.Again,boil juices,pour over cherries and let stand 24 hours.

Bring to boil again,add almond extract and cherries.Pack in to hot jars and seal.

Water bath time .....pints 20 mins........quarts 25 mins

Kathy