Natural Maraschino Cherries
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup natural, unsweetened (not from concentrate) cherry juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- 1 pound sweet cherries, pitted
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
- Mason jars for storing
Instructions
- Combine the water, cherry juice, sugar, lemon juice and salt in a large pot. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved. Turn off the heat and add the pitted cherries. Allow to steep for 5 minutes, stirring gently 2 or 3 times. Avoid cooking the cherries so they stay plump and don’t wrinkle. Remove from heat and stir in almond the extract. Allow to cool, then spoon into two 1½ cup Mason jars or 1 large Mason jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks, or can according to water-bath canning instructions.
