Chokecherries are in Season

DH has gone with his brother to pick choke cherries, whatever they are.  DH wants me to make him some syrup.  Here is a recipe I found.  Oh, and just so you know, I didn't get 200 lbs of peaches, but I did get enough to can 31 (1/2) pints and two pints of peach jam. I'm tired!


Chokecherry Syrup

8 cups ripe chokecherries, stemmed and un-pitted
1/2 cup water
1/2 of a 2-ounce box of pectin crystals
4 cups (2 pounds) sugar

Place the chokecherries in a large saucepan with the water and mash well. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

Strain mixture through a jelly bag and measure juice.

Add (about) 4 cups of the strained juice in a saucepan, add the pectin crystals and mix well; bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Stir in the sugar and boil hard for 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Skim any foam from the surface and pour into hot sterilized jars. Store in refrigerator.

Makes about 3 pints.