What Ingredients and Equipment Do You Need?
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients and equipment:
- 2 cups of fresh cherries
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of almond extract
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- A medium-sized saucepan
- A sterilized glass jar with a tight lid
Step 1: Preparing the Cherries
Start by rinsing the cherries under cold water to remove any dirt or residue. Then, remove the stems and pit the cherries. You can use a cherry pitter for quick and easy results.
Step 2: Making the Syrup
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar, water, almond extract, and lemon juice. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Let the syrup simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Adding the Cherries
Add the pitted cherries to the simmering syrup. Stir gently to ensure all the cherries are coated with the syrup. Reduce the heat to low and let the cherries simmer in the syrup for about 5-7 minutes. This will help infuse the cherries with the flavors of the syrup.
Step 4: Cooling and Storing the Cherries
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cherries cool in the syrup for 10 minutes. Afterward, use a slotted spoon to transfer the cherries into a sterilized glass jar. Pour the syrup over the cherries, leaving a bit of headspace at the top. Seal the jar tightly with the lid.
Step 5: Letting the Flavors Develop
Allow the jar of cherries to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the jar for at least 24 hours before using. The longer the cherries sit in the syrup, the more intense their flavors will become.
Step 6: Enjoying Your Homemade Maraschino Cherries
Now that your maraschino cherries are ready, you can use them to enhance your favorite desserts and cocktails. Add them to ice cream sundaes, top off cupcakes, or garnish your favorite cocktails for a burst of fruity flavor.
Making your own maraschino cherries not only allows you to customize the flavors but also ensures that you are using high-quality ingredients. Plus, the process is simple and fun! So why not give it a try and enjoy the sweet rewards of homemade maraschino cherries?