Sour Cherry Spoon Sweet
Capture the vibrant essence of summer with this traditional Sour Cherry Spoon Sweet, a delightful Greek preserve that transforms juicy sour cherries into a glossy, ruby-red topping perfect for enhancing your favorite desserts. Made with just five simple ingredients—sour cherries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and a touch of vanilla extract—this recipe strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet. The secret lies in simmering the cherries slowly, creating a luscious syrup with a beautifully intense flavor. Ideal for drizzling over Greek yogurt, pancakes, or ice cream, this timeless recipe can also be enjoyed on its own by the spoonful. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a shelf life of months, this preserve is an irresistible way to savor cherries all year round. Whether you're indulging in a nostalgic taste of Greek tradition or looking for a unique dessert topping, this spoon sweet is guaranteed to impress.
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Ingredients
- 500 grams sour cherries, pitted
- 500 grams sugar
- 250 milliliters water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the sour cherries thoroughly under cold water and remove their stems and pits. Place the pitted cherries in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Step 2
Add the sugar evenly over the cherries and pour in the water. Allow the mixture to rest for 30-60 minutes at room temperature so the juices from the cherries begin to release (optional, but enhances flavor).
Step 3
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom.
Step 4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally and skim off any foam that forms on the surface to ensure clarity.
Step 5
Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The lemon juice helps preserve the color and prevents crystallization.
Step 6
To test if the spoon sweet is ready, drop a small amount of the syrup onto a cold plate. It should form a thick drop that holds its shape and doesn't spread out. If it's too runny, cook for a few more minutes and test again.
Step 7
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Transfer the spoon sweet to sterilized jars while still warm and seal tightly.
Step 8
Once completely cooled, store the jars in a cool, dark place. The spoon sweet will keep for several months. Refrigerate after opening.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1287.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2273.6 |
| Total Fat 3.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 28.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 560.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 10.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 540.3g | |
| Protein 5.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 102.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 1.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 914.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories