Cherry Pie Filling(To Can) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 1/2 c. sour cherries (fresh)
1 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. + 1 Tbsp. clear jel
1 1/3 c. cold water
1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. bottled lemon juice
1/8 tsp. cinnamon (optional)
1/4 tsp. almond extract (optional)
6 drops red food coloring

Preparation

Select very ripe, firm cherries.
Rinse and pit cherries and hold in cold water.
To prevent browning, you may use ascorbic acid in cold water.
Combine clear jel, sugar and cinnamon in large kettle.
Add water, food coloring and almond extract if desired.
Stir mixture and cook over medium heat until mixture thickens.
Add lemon juice and boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Fold in cherries and fill mixture without delay into clean jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
Process pints or quarts 30 minutes in boiling water bath.