Cherries In Syrup The Super Easy Recipe To Preserve Cherries Food

PRESERVED CHERRIES

Steps:

• Inspect 8 half-pint jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water for 10 minutes to sterilize. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
• Fill sterilized jars with cherries up to the "neck" of the jar.
• Pour water into a large pan and bring to a boil. Add sugar and keep boiling until sugar dissolves. Pour hot simple syrup over cherries into the jars up to 1/8-inch from the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any spills. Top with lids and tightly screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 20 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart. Let rest for 24 hours without moving the jars. Gently press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure the lid does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool, dark area.

CHERRIES IN SYRUP

Steps:

• Pit the cherries with a cherry pitter. Place in a large bowl. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and star anise. Stir well. Cover with a kitchen cloth. Let sit for 20-25 hours.
• Strain the cherries and reserve the liquid. Pour the liquid into a large heavy-bottomed pot. Add the water and the star anise that was already in the cherry bowl. Bring to a boil, lower the heat to medium-low and simmer the syrup for about 15 minutes. The syrup should not thicken too much.
• Add the cherries and simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes or until the cherries are softer. The syrup should not be too thick, it should remain pourable. Remove the foam and the star anise from the pot.
• Divide the cherries into sterilized jars and pour the liquid over the fruit, they should be completely covered. Seal well.
• Let cool and keep in a dark cool place. They will keep for at least 3 months. You could can the jars, if desired, they will keep even longer. Once opened, keep refrigerated and eat within 4-5 days.

CHERRY SYRUP

Steps:

• Bring cherries and water to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes., Add sugar and butter; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat; stir in extract and cinnamon., Cool leftovers; transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.