why make this recipe
Making cherry preserves is a wonderful way to capture the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh cherries. It’s a great addition to your breakfast table, desserts, or even as a gift. These preserves are easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients. You’ll be able to enjoy the taste of summer all year round!
how to make Cherry Preserves
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pitted sweet cherries (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup water (optional)
- 6 ounces granulated sugar (3/4 cup)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- Pinch salt
Directions:
- Rinse, pit, and roughly chop the cherries. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can leave some cherries whole.
- In a large pot, combine the cherries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. If you’d like a thinner preserve, add 1 cup of water.
- Over medium heat, cook the mixture until it starts to bubble. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
- Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens. To check if it’s ready, drop a spoonful onto a cold plate; if it holds its shape after a minute, it’s done.
- Carefully pour the hot preserves into sterilized jars, seal them, and let them cool completely.
how to serve Cherry Preserves
Cherry preserves are versatile and can be served in many ways. Spread them on toast or bagels for a delightful breakfast. They can also be used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. Mixing them into yogurt or cottage cheese makes for a quick and tasty snack.
how to store Cherry Preserves
To store your cherry preserves, keep them in a cool, dark place. If sealed properly in sterilized jars, they can last for up to a year. Once opened, place the jar in the refrigerator and use it within a few weeks.
tips to make Cherry Preserves
- Always use ripe cherries for the best flavor.
- If you want a prettier jar, you can top the preserves with a sprig of mint or a slice of lemon when giving as a gift.
- Make sure your jars and lids are sterilized properly to avoid spoilage.
variation
You can try adding different spices like cinnamon or vanilla for a unique twist on classic cherry preserves. Mixing in other fruits, such as raspberries or blackberries, can also enhance the flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, frozen cherries work well, but thaw them and drain any excess juice before using them in the recipe.
Q: How can I tell if my preserves are thick enough?
A: Drop a spoonful of the mixture onto a cold plate; if it holds its shape after a minute, it’s ready.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
A: You can reduce the sugar a little, but keep in mind that sugar helps with preservation and thickness.
Cherry Preserves
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse, pit, and roughly chop the cherries. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can leave some cherries whole.
- In a large pot, combine the cherries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. If you’d like a thinner preserve, add 1 cup of water.
- Over medium heat, cook the mixture until it starts to bubble, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens.
- To check if it’s ready, drop a spoonful onto a cold plate; if it holds its shape after a minute, it’s done.
- Carefully pour the hot preserves into sterilized jars, seal them, and let them cool completely.