Maraschino Cherries

4 1/2 pounds pitted red cherries
4 1/2 pounds granulated sugar
3 cups water
Juice of 1 lemon
1 ounce almond extract
1 ounce red food coloring

Brine:
2 quarts water
2 tablespoons salt
1 teaspoon alum

Soak pitted cherries overnight in heated brine.

The next morning, drain cherries. Rinse in cold water.

Combine cherries, water, sugar, lemon juice, and red coloring. Heat to boiling point. Let stand 24 hours.

Again boil juices, pour over cherries and let stand 24 hours.

Bring to boil again. Add almond extract and cherries. Pack into hot sterilized jars and seal.

Water bath time from The Ball Blue Book - pints 20 minutes; quarts 25 minutes.