Cherry Delight

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh cherries, pitted 500g (1.1 lb) fresh cherries, pitted
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 250ml (1 cup) water 250ml (1 cup) water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 46g, 42g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved completely.
2. 2.
   Add the pitted cherries to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer the cherries for about 20 minutes, or until they become tender and release their juices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. 4.
   Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract.
5. 5.
   Allow the cherry compote to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a serving dish or individual glass bowls.
6. 6.
   Refrigerate the Cherry Delight for at least 2 hours, or until chilled and set.
7. 7.
   Serve the chilled Cherry Delight as is or garnish with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cherries — Choose ripe and juicy cherries for the best flavor. If fresh cherries are not available, you can use frozen cherries, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add a splash of cherry liqueur or almond extract to the cherry compote for an extra layer of flavor.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the cherry compote in a blender or food processor before chilling.
• Serve the Cherry Delight with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, for added crunch and texture.
• Experiment with different varieties of cherries to discover unique flavor profiles.
• If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can increase the amount of sugar in the recipe.

Serving advice

Serve the chilled Cherry Delight in individual glass bowls or dessert dishes to showcase its vibrant colors. Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the Cherry Delight with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also serve it with a decorative cherry on top.