Candied Cherries

Directions

1. 1
   In a large saucepan, bring sugar & water to boil, then add cherries & lemon half.
2. 2
   Reduce heat to low & let simmer about 20 minutes, or until syrup is red & slightly thick.
3. 3
   Remove from heat & let stand 2-3 hours or overnight.
4. 4
   Strain the cherries, reserving the syrup, & set the cherries aside.
5. 5
   Discard lemon half & add apple juice to the syrup.
6. 6
   Over medium-high heat, bring syrup to boil & cook 5 minutes.
7. 7
   Return cherries to syrup, reduce heat to low & cook slowly until thick & a candy thermometer reads 220 degrees F (or 105 degrees C).
8. 8
   Cherries can be stored at least 6 months in the refrigerator.