1 (5 oz.) pkg. Jello pudding and pie filling
1/4 c. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. water
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 (1 lb.) can pitted unsweetened cherries
1 tbsp. butter
1 baked 9-inch pie shell, cooled
Few drops red food coloring

Combine pie filling, sugar, salt, water and lemon juice in a saucepan, stirring to form a smooth paste. Then stir in the undrained cherries. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a full boil. Remove from heat. Add butter and food coloring. Cool 5 minutes, then pour into pie shell. Let stand until firm, about 4 hours. Garnish with prepared whipped topping if desired.