Cherry Delight

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) cherries, pitted 1 kg (2.2 lbs) cherries, pitted
• 500 g (2 ½ cups) granulated sugar 500 g (2 ½ cups) granulated sugar
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Water, as needed Water, as needed

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 39g, 38g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
2. 2.
   Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. 3.
   Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar and prevent sticking.
4. 4.
   If needed, add a small amount of water to prevent the cherries from burning.
5. 5.
   Simmer the mixture for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cherries are soft and the syrup has thickened.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
7. 7.
   Transfer the cherry delight to sterilized jars and refrigerate until chilled.
8. 8.
   Serve the cherry delight on its own or as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cherries — Use ripe and juicy cherries for the best flavor. If fresh cherries are not available, you can use frozen cherries.
• Lemon juice — Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tangy brightness to the preserve. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
• Vanilla extract — Choose a high-quality vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor of the cherry delight.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense cherry flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract.
• Serve the cherry delight with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Store the cherry delight in sterilized jars to prolong its shelf life.
• Experiment with different types of cherries, such as sour cherries, for a unique twist on the recipe.
• This cherry delight can also be used as a filling for cakes or pastries.

Serving advice

Serve the cherry delight chilled in small dessert bowls or as a topping for various desserts. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a swirl of chocolate sauce on top of the cherry delight and sprinkle some crushed pistachios for added texture and visual appeal.