Peach Preserves
["3 1/2 c. sugar", "2 c. water", "5 c. sliced, peeled, hard-ripe peaches (about 5 large)", "2 cracked peach pits", "2 drops almond extract", "1/2 tsp. ground ginger, nutmeg or cloves", "1/2 c. sliced maraschino cherries"]
["Combine sugar and water and cook until sugar dissolves. Add peaches and cook rapidly until fruit becomes clear, stirring occasionally. Cover and let stand 12 to 18 hours in a cool place. Drain fruit and pack into hot Ball jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Cook syrup rapidly 2 to 3 minutes or longer if too thin. Pour over fruit, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Adjust caps. Process half pints and pints 20 minutes at 180\u00b0 to 185\u00b0 in hot water bath. Yield: About 6 half pints."]
["sugar", "water", "peaches", "pits", "drops almond", "ground ginger", "maraschino cherries"]