Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of fresh cherries
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of almond extract
Prepare the Cherries
Start by washing and pitting the cherries. You can easily pit the cherries using a cherry pitter or a small pairing knife. Removing the pits will ensure a smoother texture for your Amarena cherries.
Create the Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once the sugar is dissolved, reduce the heat to low and add the lemon juice and almond extract. Let the syrup simmer for 5 minutes.
Infuse the Cherries
Add the pitted cherries to the syrup and stir gently to ensure they are fully coated. Allow the cherries to simmer in the syrup for approximately 10 minutes, or until they become soft and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Transfer and Store
Once the cherries are soft and tender, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Carefully transfer the cherries and syrup into a sterilized jar, making sure to pack them tightly. Leave about half an inch of headspace at the top of the jar. Seal the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator.
Enjoy Your Homemade Amarena Cherries
Your homemade Amarena cherries are now ready to enjoy! You can use them in a variety of desserts, such as ice creams, cakes, or even as a topping for yogurt. The possibilities are endless! Just remember to refrigerate the cherries after opening the jar to maintain their freshness.
So, why wait? Try making your own Amarena cherries today and elevate your desserts to a whole new level of deliciousness. We hope you enjoy this step-by-step guide and savor every bite of your homemade Amarena cherries!