Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Special equipment needed:
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Mason jars for storage
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, water, and cinnamon stick. Stir well to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the cherries are soft and the liquid has thickened.
4. Remove the cinnamon stick from the mixture and stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice.
5. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before transferring it to mason jars for storage.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for boiling, low heat for simmering
Serving size:
This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of compota de cerezas.
Nutritional information:
Per serving (1/4 cup):
Calories: 90
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 0mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 21g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- If fresh cherries are not available, you can use frozen cherries instead.
- You can substitute the cinnamon stick with 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Variations:
- Add a splash of red wine to the mixture for a deeper flavor.
- Substitute the lemon juice with orange juice for a citrusy twist.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to stir the mixture occasionally to prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, depending on the sweetness of the cherries.
- Use a cherry pitter to easily remove the pits from the cherries.
Storage instructions:
Store the compota de cerezas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, simply microwave the compota de cerezas for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until warm.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the compota de cerezas in a small bowl or ramekin, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint.
Garnishes:
Fresh mint leaves
Pairings:
- Serve the compota de cerezas over vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
- Spread it on toast or croissants for a sweet breakfast treat.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the compota de cerezas alongside a cheese plate for a sweet and savory snack.
- Pair it with a glass of red wine for a sophisticated dessert.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the compota de cerezas is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
- If it's too thin, continue simmering until it reaches the desired consistency.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to wash the cherries thoroughly before using them in the recipe.
- Store the compota de cerezas in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
Compota de cerezas is a traditional Spanish dessert that dates back to the 16th century.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet, tart, and slightly spicy
Serving suggestions:
Serve the compota de cerezas as a dessert or snack.
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Region: Spanish