Spirited Cherries

Finished Product

   I had a surplus of sweet cherries.  I started paging through my            Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving book to get some ideas     of what to do with them.

   I came across a recipe for Spirited Fruits!

   Here is the recipe for Spirited Cherries

   1 cup granulated sugar
   2 cups water
   5 cups cherries with pits, washed and drained (use 7 1/2 cups if                     you prefer to pit them)

Sweet cherries    

 
   Per Jar:  1 TBSP rum, brandy or vodka
 
    Prepare canner, jars, and lids

    In a large stainless steel saucepan, over medium-high heat, combine sugar and water.  Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar.  Add the cherries, stirring constantly and return to a boil.  Reduce heat and boil gently for 5 minutes

Canning process

     Using a slotted spoon, pack cherries into hot jars to 1/2 inch of top of jar and add the spirit of or your choice.  Finish filling with the hot syrup.  Remove air bubbles and wipe the rims.  Center lid on jar, screw band down to finger tight.

     Place in canner and ensure the jars are completely covered with water.  Bring to boil and process 10 minutes.  Remove from canner.
 
 

Finished product

Ready to add the spirit