Preserved Cherries Recipe

Preserved Cherries Recipe:

History and Fun Facts:
Preserving cherries has been a tradition passed down through generations, particularly in Aunt Sarah's family. This recipe has been perfected over time, resulting in delicious preserved cherries that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Preserved cherries have a rich history, with evidence of cherry preservation techniques dating back to ancient times. Cherries have been cherished for their sweet and tangy flavor, making them a popular choice for preserving in various forms. Fun fact: Preserved cherries were a favorite treat during ancient Roman and Greek festivities.

Ingredients:
- 1 pound of granulated sugar
- 1 quart of pitted cherries

Instructions:

1. Pit the Cherries:
Before starting the preservation process, carefully remove the pits from the cherries using a cherry pitter or a small knife. This will ensure a smoother texture in the final preserved cherries.

2. Sprinkle Sugar:
Place the pitted cherries on a large platter and evenly sprinkle the granulated sugar over them. Allow the cherries to rest for several hours until the sugar dissolves and forms a syrup-like consistency.

3. Combine Cherries and Syrup:
Transfer the cherries, along with any accumulated juice and the dissolved sugar, into a preserving kettle or a large pot. Make sure to scrape all the syrup from the platter to maximize flavor.

4. Cook the Mixture:
Set the preserving kettle on the stove or range and cook the cherries and sugar mixture over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes. This gentle cooking process will infuse the cherries with the sweet flavors of the sugar while maintaining their texture.

5. Skim and Boil the Syrup:
Using a slotted spoon or a skimmer, carefully remove the cherries from the syrup and set them aside. Increase the heat and continue boiling the syrup for an additional 10 minutes. This step will help to thicken the syrup and intensify the flavors.

6. Reunite the Cherries:
After boiling the syrup, return the cherries to the pot, ensuring they are covered in the syrup. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then remove the kettle from the heat.

7. Sun-Drying Process:
Spread the preserved cherries and syrup evenly on a platter or a clean tray. Place the platter in a sunny spot for two consecutive days. The heat from the sun will help to evaporate excess moisture, preserving the cherries and intensifying their flavors.

8. Packing the Preserved Cherries:
Once the sun-drying process is done, prepare glass air-tight jars or tumblers for packing the preserved cherries. Carefully transfer the cherries and syrup into the jars, making sure to leave some headspace. Seal the jars tightly.

9. Additional Preservation Step:
To ensure a longer shelf life and prevent any spoilage, cover the top of the jars or tumblers with paraffin wax. This creates an airtight seal and protects the preserved cherries from any potential contaminants.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
Preserving cherries can be combined with other fruits to create delightful combinations. Here are two similar recipes you might enjoy:

1. Strawberry and Cherry Preserves:
Combine equal parts of cherries and strawberries, following the same preservation process outlined above. The flavors of both fruits will meld together, with the strawberry flavor subtly dominating the mixture.

2. Cherry and Pineapple Preserves:
Create a unique flavor combination by combining cherries with diced pineapple. This pairing adds a tropical twist to the preserved cherries and brings a tangy and sweet pineapple flavor to complement the cherries.

Preserved cherries are a versatile delight that can be enjoyed in various ways. They can be used as a topping for desserts like ice cream or cheesecakes, added to baked goods like tarts or pies, or used as a filling for pastries. These preserved cherries also make for a delightful gift, showcasing the flavors of summer that can be enjoyed all year round.