Preserving method: Water bath canning

Makes about 8 (16 oz) pints 

Not only does this mouthwatering cherry filling make a to-die-for pie, it is also an excellent topping for ice cream and coffee cake. If you need a housewarming gift, preserved cherry pie filling in a jar makes a delicious addition to a gift basket.

You will need

• 15 cups frozen red tart cherries (about 10 lbs), thawed for 24 hours in the refrigerator
• 3-1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup ClearJel^® starch
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 4 Ball® (32 oz) quart or 8 (16 oz) pint preserving jars 

Directions

1. Drain thawed cherries in a colander, placed over a large bowl, stirring occasionally, until 8 cups of juice have been collected, about 2 hours. Set liquid and cherries aside.
2. Prepare boiling water canner. Heat jars in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil.  Wash lids in warm soapy water and set bands aside.
3. Whisk together 4 cups cherry liquid, sugar, ClearJel^® and cinnamon in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Boil until thickened and mixture begins to bubble. Add lemon juice. Return to a boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add reserved cherries all at once. Return to a boil, stirring constantly but gently. Remove from heat.
4. Ladle hot cherry pie filling into hot jars leaving 1 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe rim. Center hot lid on jar. Apply band and adjust until fit is fingertip tight.
5. Process filled jars in a boiling water canner 35 minutes for pints and quarts, adjusting for altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed.

Quick tip:Store remaining juice in Ball® Plastic Freezer Jars. Refrigerate up to 3 weeks or freeze up to 1 year. Use the cherry juice to flavor lemonade and citrus soda or drink straight for a tangy beverage!