Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 pounds fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 lemon, sliced
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Ladle
- Strainer
- Pitcher or jar for storage
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the cherries, sugar, water, cinnamon stick, and lemon slices.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the cherries are soft and the liquid has turned a deep red color.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Using a ladle, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher or jar.
6. Discard the solids and let the liquid cool to room temperature.
7. Cover the pitcher or jar and refrigerate the kompot for at least 2 hours, or until chilled.
8. Serve the cherry kompot over ice, garnished with fresh cherries and lemon slices.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for boiling, low heat for simmering
Serving size:
Makes about 8 cups of cherry kompot
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 0g
Sodium: 10mg
Total carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use frozen cherries instead of fresh.
- You can use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
- You can use lime or orange slices instead of lemon.
Variations:
- Add a splash of vodka or rum for an adult version.
- Use other fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
- Add a few sprigs of fresh mint for a refreshing twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to pit the cherries before adding them to the pot.
- If you prefer a sweeter kompot, add more sugar to taste.
- You can also adjust the amount of water to make a thicker or thinner kompot.
- Serve the kompot with a spoon to scoop out the cherries.
Storage instructions:
Store the cherry kompot in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
Serve the cherry kompot cold over ice.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the cherry kompot in a clear glass pitcher or jar to show off the beautiful red color.
Garnishes:
Garnish the cherry kompot with fresh cherries and lemon slices.
Pairings:
Serve the cherry kompot with a cheese plate or charcuterie board.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the cherry kompot with a light salad or sandwich.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the kompot is too thick, add more water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to wash the cherries thoroughly before using them in the recipe.
Food history:
Kompot is a traditional Eastern European drink made from fruit and water, sweetened with sugar or honey.
Flavor profiles:
The cherry kompot is sweet and tart with a hint of cinnamon.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cherry kompot as a refreshing drink on a hot summer day.
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Taste: Sweet, Tart, Fruity, Refreshing