Homemade Maraschino Cherries

• 3 lbs firm tart red cherries
• 8 cups cold water
• 2 tablespoons ascorbic acid, crystals
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 tablespoon almond extract

1. Remove pits from cherries.
2. Combine 8 cups water and ascorbic acid.
3. Stir until crystals are dissolved.
4. Add cherries to the solution.
5. Don't allow the fruit to remain more than 20 minutes.
6. Rinse fruit; drain well.
7. Combine 1 1/2 cup water and sugar.
8. Bring to a boil.
9. Stir in food coloring and add the cherries.
10. Reduce heat; simmer for 5 minutes.
11. Cool completely, allowing cherries to soak 24 hours.
12. Next day, bring to a boil and then stir in almond extract.
13. Pack hot cherries into hot jars leaving 1/2 inch head space.
14. Shake jars to get firm pack.
15. Bring syrup to a boil and ladle hot syrup into jars.
16. Process in water bath for 15 minutes for 1/2 pint jars.

red cherries, cold water, ascorbic acid, water, sugar, red food coloring, almond

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/homemade-maraschino-cherries-152586 (may not work)