Preparing your cherry pie filling is simple if you follow these easy steps:

1. Gather Ingredients: Assemble all the ingredients on your countertop for easy access.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the sugar, cornstarch, and salt together until well combined.
3. Prepare Cherries: If using fresh cherries, rinse them thoroughly, pit them, and slice them in half.
4. Heat Cherries: In a saucepan, add the cherries, water, lemon juice, almond extract, and vanilla extract.
5. Add Sugar Mixture: Gradually sprinkle the dry mixture over the cherries while stirring gently to avoid breaking the cherries.
6. Cook the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and continuously stir. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture starts to bubble.
7. Thicken the Filling: Once bubbling, continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and the cherries soften.
8. Cool the Filling: Remove the pan from heat. Allow the cherry filling to cool to room temperature.
9. Store or Use: Use immediately in your recipes or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

These steps will guide you in creating a delicious cherry pie filling effortlessly!