Sweet Cherries In Honey Vanilla Syrup Food

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.

EASY FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• To prepare the fruit: If you're using fresh strawberries or peaches, cut them into thin slices. If you're using small berries like blueberries or raspberries, you can use them whole. If you're using frozen fruit, no need to defrost or slice them before using.
• In a medium saucepan, combine your fruit of choice, sweetener of choice and dash of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. This will take about 5 minutes for fresh fruit or 10 minutes for frozen fruit.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium. If you're using chunky fruit or prefer a smoother consistency, mash the fruit with a potato masher or serving fork until it reaches your desired consistency. Continue simmering, stirring often, until the compote has condensed to about half of its original volume, about 5 minutes.
• Remove the compote from the heat. I'm generally satisfied with my compote at this point, but if the compote isn't sweet enough for your liking, you can stir in a more sweetener, to taste. If you'd like it to be more smooth, mash it some more.
• Let the compote cool for a few minutes before serving. Allow leftover compote to cool completely before covering and refrigerating for up to 10 days.

SWEET CHERRIES IN HONEY-VANILLA SYRUP

Steps:

• Combine honey, sugar, and water in a large pot or Dutch oven. Stir over low heat until sugar and honey have dissolved. Add cherries and vanilla bean.
• Cook over medium-low heat until cherries are warmed through.
• Remove vanilla bean. Ladle hot cherries into jars and cover with syrup, leaving ½ inch headspace.
• Remove air bubbles. Wipe jar rims with a damp paper towel.
• Top with two-piece lids and rings, and process in a water bath for 10 minutes.