Homemade Maraschino Cherries Recipe

Ingredients for Homemade Maraschino Cherries

• Red Cherries
• White Sugar
• 2 cups water
• Lemon, Juice Of
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 10-15 drops red food coloring
• 2 cups brine (see separate recipe for brine instructions)
• Salt
• Alum

How to Make Homemade Maraschino Cherries

1. Soak 1 pound pitted Royal Anne cherries overnight in 2 cups heated brine (recipe below).
2. The next morning, drain cherries thoroughly and rinse them in cold water.
3. In a large saucepan, combine the drained cherries, 2 cups water, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 10-15 drops red food coloring (adjust to your desired intensity).
4. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar.
5. Reduce heat to low, simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let stand for 24 hours.
6. After 24 hours, return the saucepan to medium-high heat and bring the mixture back to a boil. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Remove from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon almond extract and let stand for another 24 hours.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil one last time, then carefully pack the cherries and their syrup into hot, sterilized jars, leaving ½ inch headspace.
9. Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping the jars. Wipe the jar rims clean, seal tightly with lids, and process in a boiling water bath: pints for 20 minutes, quarts for 25 minutes. (Follow the instructions for the proper water-bath canning procedure.)
10. After processing, let jars cool completely. Check for seals. Once sealed, store in a cool, dark place.