Sweet Cherry Preserves

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1Wash 6 half-pint jars in hot soapy water or the dishwasher and keep them hot; pre-boiling the empty jars is not necessary since the processing time below is 10 minutes or more.
2. 2Simmer the new lids in hot (not boiling) water per the manufacturer's directions and keep them warm.
3. 3Wash the screw bands in warm soapy water and set aside.
4. 4Wash, stem, and pit 4 pounds of sweet cherries, halving the larger ones, to yield about 6 cups of fruit.
5. 5Place the cherries in a large, heavy nonreactive pot with 5 cups of sugar and 1/4 cup bottled lemon juice; let stand for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, to draw out the juices.
6. 6If using the optional pectin for a firmer, more spreadable set, stir it into the cold fruit mixture now, before heating.
7. 7Bring the mixture slowly to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, then continue at a steady boil, stirring often, until it reaches the gel point: 220°F on a candy thermometer (8°F above the boiling point of water at sea level), or when a spoonful mounds on a chilled plate and wrinkles when pushed.
8. 8Remove from the heat and skim off any foam.
9. 9Ladle the hot preserves into the hot half-pint jars, distributing the cherries evenly, and leave 1/4 inch of headspace.
10. 10Remove air bubbles with a non-metallic spatula, wipe the rims clean, center a warm lid on each jar, and screw on a band until fingertip tight.
11. 11Process in a boiling-water canner, jars covered by 1 to 2 inches of water, for 10 minutes for half-pint jars and 15 minutes for pint jars, timing from when the water returns to a full rolling boil.
12. 12Adjust for altitude: add 5 minutes at 1,001-3,000 feet, 10 minutes at 3,001-6,000 feet, 15 minutes at 6,001-8,000 feet, and 20 minutes above 8,000 feet.
13. 13Turn off the heat, wait 5 minutes, then remove jars to a towel-lined counter and let cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours away from drafts.
14. 14Check each seal (concave, firm lid), remove the bands, wipe the jars, and label with contents and date.
15. 15Store in a cool, dark place up to 1 year for best quality; refrigerate after opening and use within about 3 weeks.
16. 16Do not reduce the sugar or alter the fruit-to-lemon-juice ratio, since this balance is essential for both safety and proper set.