These gorgeous cherries make perfect homemade gifts. Use them in cocktails, or over pound cake or ice cream.
List of Ingredients
◦ 6 pounds dark sweet cherries
◦ 1 cup sugar
◦ 1 cup water
◦ � cup lemon juice
◦ 1� 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 �-inch headspace. Ladle the hot syrup over the cherries, leaving �-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.