I recently saw a meme that read:
“So the Fourth of July is over, which means you better start back-to-school shopping, which means the first day of school is around the corner, which means it’s time to think about Halloween costumes, which means Thanksgiving is upon us, which means ‘tis the season to get in the holiday spirit. So basically, what I’m trying to say is Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
I laughed at this then started to worry because it is so true. If you go to any store right now, all bathing suits are on clearance and back-to-school shopping is the focus of your shopping trip. If you look even more closely, you will see Halloween and even Christmas decorations! It is crazy to think about, and I don’t know if it is because I am getting older, but time really does fly by. Society doesn’t help with this and if we were all able to focus on the moment, we wouldn’t feel so rushed with everything. That would only be in a perfect world though, so since we live in a rushed world, we must compromise!
I have learned to help control that overwhelmed feeling of the upcoming holidays. The past year or so I have been taking advantage of purchasing things on clearance after a major holiday, so I have it for the year after. I have never done this before and always envied people that did. I have stocked up on wrapping papers and even gifts for just pennies each. I wish I did this sooner, it really is amazing to not feel rushed to buy and then having to pay full price for certain things.
I am also ready to share with you guys a super easy recipe that you can make now and freeze for later (AKA Christmas!). I adapted it from here and made a few adjustments to my liking. This cherry pie filling is perfect for holiday pies and you will thank yourself later when all you need to do is add this filling to your pie crust and be done!
There is no better time to get cherries than in the summer time, and we are so lucky to have a generous neighbor that has a cherry tree and lets us pick from it.
The tree was in full bloom bursting with so many cherries, we were able to pick four pounds worth in one trip.
I was able to pit the cherries easily by using a straw, but if you have a cherry pitter, even better!
Now onto the recipe!
Easy and Delicious Cherry Pie Filling
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh pitted cherries
- 3 tbsp corn starch
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- In saucepan, combine cherries, cornstarch, lemon juice, salt, sugar, and water over medium heat until mixture starts to bubble. Turn heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla and almond extract.
Cool for 10-15 minutes before using right away. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir before using.
We used 16 oz. Ball Mason Jars to fill our cherry pie filling. We used about 3-4 jars depending how much you fill it up.We have so far made pop tarts and a cherry dump cake with this filling and I cannot wait to share those recipes with you as well!
I am by far a good baker, so I can confirm that this recipe is super easy and will be sure to help you when the holidays quickly arrive!
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This looks delicious! And it looks like the boys had a great time picking cherries! Yum!
It is such a tasty recipe! I might have eaten some just out of the jar lol
Yum! I usually make one cherry pie a year because I get tired of pitting cherries, haha. But I keep telling myself I’m going to can or freeze pie filling!
I totally agree with you! The pitting part was long, but pretty excited how much I was able to freeze! Totally worth it!