Version 1 – Spiced Brine:
1 3/4 C. white vinegar
1 3/4 C. granulated sugar
3/4 C. water
2 cinnamon sticks (about 4-inches long)
2 tsp. whole cloves
2 whole star anise
2 pounds dark sweet cherries with stems

Version 2 – Savory Brine:
1 3/4 C. white vinegar
1 3/4 C. granulated sugar
3/4 C. water
black peppercorns (4 to 5 per half-pint jar)
bay leaves (one per jar)
2 pounds Rainier sweet cherries with stems

Prepare canner and wash/sterilize 4 to 5 half-pint mason (or equivalent) jars. Keep jars in hot (not boiling) water until ready to use. Warm lids in hot (not boiling) water to sterilize and soften seal. Combine vinegar, sugar, water, and spices in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and boil gently, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Remove hot jars from canner and pack cherries into jars. Pour hot brine over cherries to within 1/2-inch of rim. Wipe jar rims and threads. Screw on lids and rings. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (for half-pint jars, process 15 minutes for larger pint jars). Remove from water and let cool completely, 12 to 24 hours. Check seals. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used within 3 weeks.