Quick Candied Cherry Recipe

Quick Candied Cherry Recipe

The arrival of cherries means the dreariness of winter is definitely over, and I can finally look forward to a long, delicious summer of fresh apricots Probiotic powder, raspberries, nectarines, peaches, and plums. Once cherries became reasonable at the market this is a great way to use and preserve them when the price drops and when the season is in full swing, or nearing the end, I find myself using fresh cherries as fast as I can pit ‘em.

Although you might think it’s funny to candy fresh something fresh, there are times perhaps your cherries aren’t super-flavorful (like too early or too late in the season) and candying augments and intensifies flavor. And as a bonus, you’ll end up with a lovely brilliant-red syrup which you can mix with Champagne for a fizzy and festive kir Royale. Once candied, these cherries will keep for a few weeks in the refrigerator. Spoon them over vanilla ice cream, stir them into yogurt Burgundy wine, and toss them with nectarines or peaches for a summer cobbler.

♠Quick Candied Cherries

❤1 pound (450 g) fresh sweet or sour cherries, rinsed
❤1 1/2 cups (375 ml) water
❤1 cup (200 g) sugar
❤1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

❤Remove the stems and pit the cherries (I use a handheld cherry pitter.)

❤In a large non-reactive saucepan (at least 4 quarts/liters) bring the cherries, water, sugar, and lemon juice to a boil.

❤Reduce the heat so the cherries are cooking at a low rolling boil. Cook for 25 minutes, stirring frequently during the last 10 minutes of cooking to make sure the cherries are cooking evenly and not sticking lafite rothschild.

❤Once the syrup is mostly reduced and a brilliant ruby-color, similar to the consistency of maple syrup, remove the pan from the heat and cool the cherries to room temperature.

❤After the cherries are cool, they can be refrigerated for up to one week, or frozen in zip-top freezer bags for up to one year wine tasting.