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Cherries in Spiced Port Syrup Recipe

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This recipe features fresh cherries preserved in a rich, spiced port syrup infused with aromatic flavors of orange zest, star anise, cinnamon, and vanilla. Perfect for enhancing desserts or enjoying as a sweet treat, these cherries are gently cooked and stored in jars to capture the deep, luscious taste of port wine combined with warm spices.

Ingredients

Cherries

  • 700 g fresh Cherry Time cherries, stalks removed and pitted

Syrup

  • 2 thick strips of orange zest, peeled
  • Juice of 1 orange
  • Water (to top up orange juice to 1 cup / 250ml)
  • ¾ cup (155 g) granulated white sugar
  • 1 cup (250 ml) good-quality port wine
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds removed (or 1 tsp vanilla extract added at the end if bean is unavailable)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cherries: Remove the stalks and pits from the fresh cherries and set them aside for later use.
  2. Make Spiced Syrup: Measure the orange juice in a jug and add water to reach a total of 1 cup (250 ml). Pour this mixture into a medium-sized pot along with the sugar, port wine, star anise pods, orange zest strips, cinnamon stick, and the vanilla bean pod. Bring to a boil while stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
  3. Cook Cherries: Once the syrup mixture is boiling, add the prepared cherries. Cook them in the syrup for 3.5 minutes, allowing the cherries to soften and absorb the flavors. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cherries and place them into sterilized jars.
  4. Thicken Syrup: Continue cooking the remaining syrup in the pot over low heat for 10 minutes. This will reduce and thicken the syrup, intensifying the flavors. If you did not use a vanilla bean, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract after this step.
  5. Fill Jars and Seal: Remove the star anise, cinnamon, orange zest strips, and vanilla pod from the syrup. Pour the hot syrup carefully over the cherries in the jars to fully cover them. Seal the jars with lids tightly and turn them upside down for a few minutes while cooling to help seal the jars.
  6. Store: Once cooled, store the jars in the refrigerator and use the preserved cherries as desired. For longer preservation, follow proper canning procedures to seal and boil the jars.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor and texture.
  • If you do not have a vanilla bean, substitute with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract but add it at the end of cooking the syrup to preserve flavor.
  • Sterilize jars thoroughly before use to ensure safe preservation and longer shelf life.
  • These cherries can be enjoyed as a topping for desserts, in cocktails, or simply by themselves.
  • To preserve for extended periods, follow proper canning and boiling methods to seal the jars securely.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/cherries-in-spiced-port-syrup-recipe/