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Brandied Cherries

Source of Recipe

From "Ball Canning Back to Basics"


Recipe Introduction

These gorgeous cherries make perfect homemade gifts. Use them in cocktails, or over pound cake or ice cream.

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 6 pounds dark sweet cherries
â—¦ 1 cup sugar
â—¦ 1 cup water
â—¦ ½ cup lemon juice
â—¦ 1¼ cups brandy


Recipe

Rinse the cherries under cold running water; drain. Stem and pit the cherries.

Combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice in a large stainless steel or enameled saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to a simmer (180° F). Add the cherries and simmer until they are hot throughout. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the brandy.

Pack the hot cherries into a hot jar, leaving ½-inch headspace. Ladle the hot syrup over the cherries, leaving ½-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe the jar rim. Center the lid on the jar. Apply the band, and adjust to fingertip-tight. Place the jar on the rack elevated over simmering water (180° F) in the boiling water canner. Repeat until all the jars are filled.

Lower the rack into simmering water. Water must cover jars by 1 inch. Adjust heat to medium-high, cover the canner, and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Process the jars 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Turn off heat; remove the lid, and let the jars stand 5 minutes. Remove the jars and cool.


Makes about 6 (1-pint) jars