Cherry Pie Filling | How to Make Cherry Pie Filling from Scratch

Ingredients

• 5 to 6 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (thawed & drained), about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, optional
• 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans tart cherries, drain & juice reserved
• 1 cup cherry juice liquid, reserved
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tsp lemon juice