Put 27 cups pitted sour cherries in a large bowl. Mix together and add to cherries:

7 tbsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. red food coloring
2 tsp. almond extract

Mix together and add to cherries, mix well:

3 1/2 c. white sugar
3 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. instant clear jel

Let stand 10 minutes. Fill jars and cold pack about 12 minutes for pints and 15-20 minutes for quarts. Makes 6-8 quarts.