Preserved Cherries: Recipes and Delightful Uses
Preserved cherries, those jewel-toned gems suspended in sweet, often boozy syrup, are a culinary treasure. They’re not just a pretty garnish; they’re a versatile ingredient that can elevate desserts, cocktails, and even savory dishes. Making your own preserved cherries allows you to control the sweetness, alcohol content, and overall flavor profile, resulting in a far superior product to most store-bought options. This article will explore various methods of preserving cherries and offer a wide array of recipes to inspire your culinary adventures.
Why Preserve Cherries?
Before diving into recipes, let’s understand why preserving cherries is such a worthwhile endeavor.
* **Extending the Season:** Cherries are a seasonal fruit, typically available for a relatively short period. Preserving them allows you to enjoy their delicious flavor year-round.
* **Enhanced Flavor:** The preserving process often intensifies the cherry flavor, creating a richer, more complex taste.
* **Versatility:** Preserved cherries can be used in a wide range of recipes, from classic cocktails to elegant desserts.
* **Homemade Goodness:** Making your own preserved cherries allows you to control the ingredients and avoid artificial flavors and preservatives often found in commercially produced products.
* **Gift Giving:** A jar of homemade preserved cherries makes a thoughtful and appreciated gift.
Methods of Preserving Cherries
There are several ways to preserve cherries, each with its own advantages. Here are some of the most popular methods:
* **Maraschino Cherries (Homemade):** While commercially made maraschino cherries are often criticized for their artificial flavors and colors, homemade versions are a completely different story. They retain the natural cherry flavor and can be customized to your liking.
* **Brandied Cherries:** This method involves preserving cherries in brandy (or another spirit like bourbon or rum) and sugar syrup. The alcohol adds a pleasant warmth and complexity to the flavor.
* **Cherry Jam/Preserves:** This is a classic method of preserving fruit, creating a sweet and flavorful spread that can be enjoyed on toast, scones, or used as a filling for pastries.
* **Cherry Compote:** Compote is similar to jam but typically contains larger pieces of fruit and less sugar. It’s a versatile topping for ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes.
* **Canned Cherries:** This method involves sterilizing jars and processing the cherries in a boiling water bath to create a shelf-stable product.
* **Frozen Cherries:** While not technically “preserving” in the traditional sense, freezing is a great way to keep cherries for later use. Simply pit the cherries and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.
Choosing the Right Cherries
The type of cherries you use will significantly impact the flavor of your preserved cherries. Here’s a quick guide:
* **Bing Cherries:** These are the most common type of cherry and are known for their deep red color and sweet, rich flavor. They are a good all-purpose cherry for preserving.
* **Rainier Cherries:** These cherries are yellow with a red blush and have a sweeter, more delicate flavor than Bing cherries. They are excellent for making elegant, light-colored preserves.
* **Montmorency Cherries:** These are tart cherries and are often used for making pies and jams. Their tartness balances well with the sweetness of the sugar syrup.
* **Stella Cherries:** Another popular sweet variety, known for its firm texture and good flavor.
* **Lapins Cherries:** These dark red cherries are large, sweet, and juicy, making them well-suited for preserving.
No matter which type of cherry you choose, make sure they are ripe, firm, and free from blemishes.
Homemade Maraschino Cherries Recipe
This recipe creates a far superior maraschino cherry than the artificial, overly sweet store-bought version. You’ll need to start this recipe a few days in advance.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound fresh cherries, preferably Rainier or Bing, stems removed
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup water
* 1/2 cup maraschino liqueur (or substitute Luxardo cherry liqueur)
* 1/4 cup cherry juice (optional, for enhanced color and flavor)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
* Pinch of salt
**Equipment:**
* Small saucepan
* Glass jar with lid (sterilized)
* Pitting tool (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cherries:** Wash the cherries thoroughly and remove the stems. Pitting the cherries is optional. If you prefer to pit them, use a cherry pitter. Leaving them whole will result in a firmer cherry.
2. **Blanch the Cherries (Optional but Recommended):** Bring a pot of water to a boil. Drop the cherries into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. This helps to loosen the skins and makes them more receptive to the syrup. Drain the cherries well.
3. **Make the Syrup:** In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. **Add Flavorings:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the maraschino liqueur, cherry juice (if using), lemon juice, almond extract (if using), and salt.
5. **Soak the Cherries:** Place the cherries in a heat-safe bowl or jar. Pour the hot syrup over the cherries, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 days.
6. **Reheat and Jar:** After the soaking period, drain the syrup from the cherries into the saucepan. Bring the syrup to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. This will thicken the syrup slightly.
7. **Pack the Cherries:** Pack the cherries into a sterilized glass jar. Pour the hot syrup over the cherries, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
8. **Seal and Store:** Wipe the rim of the jar with a clean, damp cloth. Place the lid on the jar and screw on the band fingertip tight. Refrigerate for at least 2 weeks before using. This allows the flavors to fully develop. The cherries will keep in the refrigerator for several months.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Color:** If you want a more vibrant red color, you can add a tiny drop of red food coloring. However, this is entirely optional.
* **Liqueur:** Experiment with different liqueurs, such as Kirschwasser (cherry brandy) or Amaretto (almond liqueur).
* **Spices:** Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves to the syrup for a warmer, more complex flavor.
* **Sweetness:** Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet cherry, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup.
Brandied Cherries Recipe
Brandied cherries are a sophisticated treat that can be enjoyed on their own, used as a garnish for cocktails, or incorporated into desserts.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound fresh cherries, preferably Bing or Lapins, stems removed
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup water
* 1 cup brandy (or bourbon or rum)
* 1/4 cup cherry juice (optional, for enhanced color and flavor)
* 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
* 2 strips of orange zest (optional)
**Equipment:**
* Small saucepan
* Glass jar with lid (sterilized)
* Pitting tool (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cherries:** Wash the cherries thoroughly and remove the stems. Pitting the cherries is optional. If you prefer to pit them, use a cherry pitter. Leaving them whole will result in a firmer cherry.
2. **Make the Syrup:** In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. **Add Flavorings:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the brandy, cherry juice (if using), vanilla bean (split and scraped), and orange zest (if using).
4. **Pack the Cherries:** Pack the cherries into a sterilized glass jar. Add the vanilla bean pod and orange zest strips to the jar.
5. **Pour Syrup Over Cherries:** Pour the hot syrup over the cherries, making sure they are fully submerged. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
6. **Seal and Store:** Wipe the rim of the jar with a clean, damp cloth. Place the lid on the jar and screw on the band fingertip tight. Refrigerate for at least 2 weeks before using. The cherries will keep in the refrigerator for several months, and the flavor will improve with age.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Alcohol:** Use a good-quality brandy, bourbon, or rum for the best flavor. You can also experiment with other spirits, such as Kirschwasser or Grand Marnier.
* **Spices:** Add a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, or a star anise to the syrup for a warmer, more complex flavor.
* **Citrus:** Experiment with different citrus zests, such as lemon or grapefruit.
* **Sweetness:** Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet cherry, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup.
Cherry Jam Recipe
Homemade cherry jam is a delicious and versatile spread that can be enjoyed on toast, scones, or used as a filling for pastries.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
* 3 cups granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
* Pinch of salt
**Equipment:**
* Large, heavy-bottomed saucepan
* Glass jars with lids (sterilized)
* Canning equipment (optional, for long-term storage)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cherries:** Wash the cherries thoroughly and remove the stems and pits. Chop the cherries into smaller pieces.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the chopped cherries, sugar, lemon juice, almond extract (if using), and salt. Stir well to combine.
3. **Cook the Jam:** Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 20-30 minutes, or until the jam thickens. To test for doneness, place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate. If the jam sets up quickly and doesn’t run, it’s ready.
4. **Process (Optional):** If you want to process the jam for long-term storage, ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth. Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands fingertip tight. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Allow the jars to cool completely before checking the seals. If any jars don’t seal properly, refrigerate them and use the jam within a few weeks.
5. **Cool and Store:** If you are not processing the jam, simply ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Allow the jam to cool completely before sealing the jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to several weeks.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Pectin:** Cherry jam is naturally low in pectin, so you may need to add commercial pectin to help it set properly. Follow the instructions on the pectin package.
* **Spice:** Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves to the jam while it’s cooking for a warmer, more complex flavor.
* **Fruit Combinations:** Combine cherries with other fruits, such as raspberries or blackberries, for a more complex flavor.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the jam for a brighter flavor.
Cherry Compote Recipe
Cherry compote is a simple and delicious topping for ice cream, yogurt, pancakes, or waffles.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup water
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
**Equipment:**
* Small saucepan
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using). Stir well to combine.
2. **Cook the Compote:** Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cherries are soft and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. **Cool and Serve:** Remove the compote from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or cold over ice cream, yogurt, pancakes, or waffles.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Spice:** Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves to the compote while it’s cooking for a warmer, more complex flavor.
* **Liqueur:** Add a tablespoon of cherry liqueur or brandy to the compote for a more sophisticated flavor.
* **Fruit Combinations:** Combine cherries with other fruits, such as peaches or plums, for a more complex flavor.
* **Thickening:** If the compote is not thick enough, you can whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water at the end of the cooking time.
Using Preserved Cherries: Creative Ideas
Now that you have a batch of homemade preserved cherries, here are some ideas for using them:
* **Cocktails:** Use maraschino or brandied cherries as a garnish for classic cocktails like Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and Sazeracs. You can also muddle them into cocktails for a burst of cherry flavor.
* **Desserts:** Incorporate preserved cherries into cakes, pies, brownies, and other baked goods. They add a touch of sweetness and a beautiful visual appeal.
* **Ice Cream Topping:** Spoon cherry compote or chopped preserved cherries over ice cream for a decadent treat.
* **Yogurt Parfaits:** Layer yogurt with granola and preserved cherries for a healthy and delicious breakfast or snack.
* **Salads:** Add chopped preserved cherries to salads for a touch of sweetness and a burst of flavor.
* **Cheese Boards:** Serve preserved cherries alongside cheese and crackers for a sophisticated appetizer.
* **Glazes:** Use the syrup from preserved cherries to make a glaze for ham or poultry.
* **Stuffing:** Add chopped preserved cherries to stuffing for a festive and flavorful side dish.
* **Chocolate Pairings:** Cherries and chocolate are a match made in heaven. Add preserved cherries to chocolate desserts, such as brownies, cakes, or chocolate-covered strawberries.
* **Gifting:** Package your homemade preserved cherries in decorative jars and give them as gifts to friends and family.
Tips for Successful Cherry Preserving
* **Use Fresh, Ripe Cherries:** Choose cherries that are firm, ripe, and free from blemishes.
* **Sterilize Your Jars:** Properly sterilizing your jars is essential for preventing spoilage. Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water, then boil them for 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can sterilize them in the dishwasher.
* **Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan:** A heavy-bottomed pan will help to prevent the jam or compote from sticking and burning.
* **Stir Frequently:** Stir the jam or compote frequently while it’s cooking to prevent sticking.
* **Test for Doneness:** Use a reliable method to test for doneness, such as the chilled plate test for jam.
* **Leave Headspace:** Leave the recommended amount of headspace when filling the jars to allow for expansion during processing.
* **Process Properly:** If you are processing the jars for long-term storage, follow the recommended processing time and method for your altitude.
* **Store Properly:** Store the jars in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate opened jars.
Preserving cherries is a rewarding way to enjoy this delicious fruit year-round. With a little effort, you can create a variety of homemade treats that are far superior to store-bought options. Experiment with different recipes and flavor combinations to find your favorites. Happy preserving!