Maraschino Cherries - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 1/2 lb. sour cherries, pitted
2 qt. water
2 Tbsp. salt
1 tsp. alum
3 c. water
4 1/2 lb. sugar
1 oz. red food coloring
juice of 1 lemon

Preparation

Soak cherries overnight in brine of 2 quarts water, salt and alum (best for 24 hours).
Next morning, drain cherries and rinse in cold water.
Combine cherries with 3 cups water, sugar, food coloring and lemon juice.
Heat to boiling, then let set 24 hours. Again bring to boil; let set 24 hours.
Bring to boil again.
On the third day after letting set 24 hours, add 1 ounce of almond extract.
Seal while hot.