I like Cherry Pie Filling - Really? Yes Really

3 years ago this was new info. I had no idea I liked Cherry Pie Filling, I'm still not sure I like pies. But my good friend Tammy said I "had" to can cherry filling with her. I generally opt for chocolate deserts instead of fruity ones. But she mentioned that you can make a terrific crisp with these babies & I was sold.

So last night around 10 pm I decided it was time to can some more cherries - because frankly I had not washed enough dishes yet or accomplished anything that had not already been undone. 

But now I'm staring at 11 lovely quarts of Cherry Pie filling made with sours as well as 2 experimental quarts of Dark Cherries packed in syrup. And you know what? I feel this magnificent sense of accomplishment - and I only traded 2 hrs of sleep for it. I think it was worth it.

There are many websites that detail making the filling, but here are a few I referenced:

http://www.pickyourown.org/cherrypiefilling.htm

http://www.simplycanning.com/cherry-pie-filling.html

*Side note, I have used clear gel & cornstarch & both worked fine.

When I used cornstarch I added cinnamon & will continue this in the future, it gave the filling a better flavor.

I pulled my ramekins out and filled each 3/4 full of cherry filling, topped them with a traditional crisp mixture & baked them for 10-15 min. So good with vanilla ice cream melting over top & a few salted pecans tossed on. Yum!