Cherry Rhubarb Pie Filling

I've taken a cherry pie filling and added rhubarb to make this cherry rhubarb pie filling.

Cherries and Rhubarb are acid foods and can be safely water bath canned.

These directions are for either sweet cherries like bing cherries (this is what you see in the pictures) OR sour cherries that you traditionally use for pies.

Prepare

Gather your canning supplies

water bath canner
canning jars
canning seals and rings
jar lifter
canning funnel
large pot or blancher
bowls
large spoons
sharp knife
towels and dish cloths
stock pot to cook cherries
ladle

Ingredients

Cherries - 4 quarts pitted sweet cherries.
Rhubarb -2 quarts chopped into 1 inch pieces.
7 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups cornstarch, flour (or Clear Jel) -
9-1/3 cups water
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 tsp Cinnamon - optional
2 tsp Almond Extract - optional

I have always used flour for a thickener in my pie fillings. The USDA now recommends using Clear Jel. It is reported that it will give you a nicer filling with more consistent results when you are canning. I have not tried it yet but I plan to this summer when I make my fillings. I"ll report back then!

Procedure

Wash and pit cherries. This is the most challenging part. :0) But if you just sit down and DO IT, you can make some delicious dishes. Have a friend come over and visit while you pit.

Place cherries in boiling water and boil for 1 minute. Drain. Keep warm. I do this simply by covering the pot until I am ready to mix in sugar mixture.

Combine sugar and corn starch in a large pan. Add water and cook over medium heat stirring constantly. cherry rhubarb jars in canner

When product begins to thicken and bubble, add the lemon juice and boil for 1 minute.

Add rhubarb and warm cherries, stirring gently to mix.

Fill hot jars with hot cherry rhubarb pie filling leaving 1 inch head space. Wipe the rims clean, remove any air bubbles and place your lids.

For more packing details follow water bath canning instructions.

Process

pints or quarts for 30 minutes.

Altitude Adjustments for Boiling Water Bath Canner
Altitude in Feet	Increase processing time
1001-3000	5 minutes
3001-6000	10 minutes
6001-8000	15 minutes
8001-10,000	20 minutes