Cherry Pie Filling Canning Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Guide
Looking for a way to preserve the sweet and tart flavor of cherries for the entire year? Look no further than homemade cherry pie filling! This recipe is easy to follow and will allow you to enjoy the taste of summer all year long.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups pitted fresh sweet cherries (about 2 pounds)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions:
Preparing the Cherries:
- Pit the cherries: Wash and thoroughly dry the cherries. Use a cherry pitter to remove the pits. If you don't have a pitter, a small knife can be used to carefully cut around the pit and remove it.
- Prepare the jars: Wash and sterilize your canning jars, lids, and rings.
Making the Cherry Pie Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, water, lemon juice, cornstarch, and almond extract (if using).
- Bring to a boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The filling should thicken slightly.
- Ladle into jars: Carefully ladle the hot cherry pie filling into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills.
- Process the jars: Place the lids and rings on the jars. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Make sure the jars are fully submerged in the water.
- Cool and store: Remove the jars from the boiling water bath and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, check the lids to make sure they are sealed. If the lid pops down when pressed, it is sealed. Store the canned cherry pie filling in a cool, dark place.
Tips and Variations:
- Choose ripe cherries: For the best flavor, use ripe sweet cherries.
- Adjust sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. If using sour cherries, you may want to add more sugar.
- Add a touch of spice: For an extra dimension of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the cherry filling.
- Use frozen cherries: If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using.
- Double the recipe: Double the recipe to make a larger batch of cherry pie filling.
Enjoy Your Homemade Cherry Pie Filling:
With your canned cherry pie filling, you can enjoy the taste of summer any time of year. It's perfect for pies, crumbles, cobblers, or even just a simple spoonful over ice cream!
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