Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups choke cherries, washed and pitted
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Glass jars with lids for storage
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the choke cherries and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes or until the choke cherries are soft and the liquid has reduced by half.
3. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing the choke cherries to extract as much juice as possible.
5. Return the juice to the pot and add the sugar and lemon juice.
6. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved.
7. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the syrup has thickened.
8. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
9. Pour the syrup into glass jars and let cool completely before storing in the refrigerator.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for boiling and simmering
Serving size:
Makes approximately 2 cups of syrup
Nutritional information:
Calories: 60
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Fiber: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Choke cherries can be substituted with other tart fruits such as cranberries or raspberries.
- Lemon juice can be substituted with lime juice or apple cider vinegar.
Variations:
- Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves for a spiced choke cherry syrup.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for a sweet and aromatic flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a potato masher to help extract as much juice as possible from the choke cherries.
- Be careful not to overcook the syrup, as it can become too thick and syrupy.
Storage instructions:
Store the choke cherry syrup in glass jars with lids in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the syrup in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the choke cherry syrup over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh choke cherries or a sprig of mint.
Pairings:
Pair with breakfast foods such as pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of bacon or sausage.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the syrup is too thin, simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens.
- If the syrup is too thick, add a splash of water and simmer for a few more minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the choke cherries thoroughly before using.
- Store the syrup in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
Choke cherries have been used for centuries by Native Americans for their medicinal and nutritional properties.
Flavor profiles:
Choke cherry syrup has a tart and sweet flavor with a hint of lemon.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the choke cherry syrup over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A