Start by preparing jars and getting water in the canner heating. You want the canner hot, but not boiling, when the jars are ready to be processed. See full water bath canning instructions here.
Prepare Cherries
Wash and pit cherries.
Place pitted cherries in boiling water. Boil 1 minute.
Drain, but keep warm.
Prepare Clear Jel
In a separate pot, cook sugar, Clear Jel, and water over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Add cinnamon and almond extract (optional).
Once thick and bubbling, add lemon juice. Boil for 1 minute.
Prepare Filling
Add warm cherries to filling mix and stir gently to combine.
Fill hot jar with hot filling, leaving 1" headspace.
Remove air bubbles, wipe the rim clean, and place seal and ring.
Place jar in the warm canner. Proceed to fill all jars.
Process according to chart below.
Notes
Processing with a Water Bath CannerPlace the jar in the warm canner. Proceed to fill all jars placing them in the canner.When all the jars are filled, bring the water in the canner to a boil. When a boil is reached that is when you'll start your timing. Process for the length of time on the chart below. Adjust for your altitude. After your time is over, turn the heat off remove the lid and allow the canner to rest for about 5 minutes. Then bring your jars up out of the water. Allow them to rest for another 5 minutes. Then remove the jars and place them a few inches apart on a thick towel to cool completely. Leave them alone for about 12 hours. When they are cooled remove the metal bands, check the seals, label the jars and store them away! Processing Times for Water Bath Canner (Hot Pack) Altitude – Pints and Quarts are Processed the Same 0-1,000 ft – 30 minutes 1,001-3,000 ft – 35 minutes3,001-6,000 ft – 40 minutesAbove 6,000 ft – 45 minutes
Adapted from: The National Center for Home Food Preservation