Homemade Maraschino Cherries
Homemade maraschino cherries can be easily prepared at home, offering a superior alternative to commercial versions.
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Instructions
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Start boiling 2 quarts water with 1 tablespoon pickling salt; stir until dissolved. Cool for 10 minutes, then pour this brine over 3 pounds pitted sweet cherries. Cover and let sit for 12 hours or overnight. Drain the cherries, discard the brine, and rinse with cold water.
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In a saucepan, combine 4 1/2 cups sugar, 3 cups water, 1 juiced lemon, and optional red food coloring. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves, then remove from heat. Pour this syrup over the cherries, cover, and let stand for 24 hours.
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Drain the cherries, reserving the liquid. Bring the reserved liquid to a boil, remove from heat, and stir in 1 teaspoon optional almond extract. Pour this warm liquid over the cherries again.
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Pack the cherries with their juice into clean jars and refrigerate for up to two weeks.