Absolutely! Here’s a delightful recipe for Cherry Vinegar that’s not only easy to make but also adds a burst of fruity flavor to your dishes. πβ¨
Cherry Vinegar Recipe
- Name: Cherry Vinegar
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Recipe Category: Berries
- Keywords: Fruit, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, < 30 Mins, Canning, Stove Top, Easy
- Yield: 4 1/2 pints
Ingredients:
- 8 cups sweet cherries
- 5 cups white vinegar
Instructions:
| Step | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Combine cherries and vinegar in a stainless or enamel pot. | Prep: 5m |
| 2 | Bring to a boil. | Cook: 15m |
| 3 | Boil gently for 15 minutes. | |
| 4 | Meanwhile, sterilize 4 1/2 pint jars. | |
| 5 | Pour vinegar mixture through 2-3 layers of wet cheesecloth. | |
| 6 | Return vinegar to the pot and boil for 1 minute more. | |
| 7 | Ladle into clean hot jars. | |
| 8 | Process in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes. |
Instructions:
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Preparation: Gather your ingredients: sweet cherries and white vinegar. Wash the cherries thoroughly, remove the stems, and pit them if desired.
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Combine Cherries and Vinegar: In a large stainless steel or enamel pot, combine the prepared cherries and white vinegar. The combination of the sweet cherries and the tangy vinegar will create a delightful balance of flavors.
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Bring to a Boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the cherry-vinegar mixture to a rolling boil. This process will help infuse the vinegar with the delicious essence of the cherries.
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Simmer Gently: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the mixture simmer away for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Sterilize Jars: While the cherries and vinegar are simmering, take this time to prepare your jars. Wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water, then sterilize them by boiling them in a large pot of water for at least 10 minutes. This step ensures that your vinegar stays fresh and free from any contaminants.
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Strain the Mixture: After 15 minutes of simmering, it’s time to strain the mixture. Place 2-3 layers of damp cheesecloth over a large, clean bowl or pot. Carefully pour the hot cherry-vinegar mixture through the cheesecloth, allowing the liquid to strain through. The cheesecloth will catch any solids, leaving you with a smooth, flavorful liquid.
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Return to Boil: Transfer the strained liquid back to the pot. Bring it back to a boil over medium-high heat. Let it bubble away for an additional minute, ensuring that any remaining impurities are cooked off.
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Fill Jars: Using a ladle, carefully fill your clean, hot jars with the hot cherry vinegar. Leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top of each jar to allow for expansion.
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Seal and Process: Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue. Place the lids on the jars and tighten the bands just until fingertip-tight. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes to ensure a proper seal and to preserve the vinegar.
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Cool and Store: Once processed, remove the jars from the water bath using canning tongs or a jar lifter. Place them on a clean towel or cooling rack to cool completely. As they cool, you may hear the satisfying “pop” of the lids sealingβa sign of a job well done!
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Enjoy and Share: Your homemade Cherry Vinegar is now ready to be enjoyed! Use it to add a burst of fruity flavor to salad dressings, marinades, sauces, or even as a tangy addition to cocktails. It also makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family, especially when presented in beautifully labeled jars.
So there you have it, a simple yet flavorful recipe for Cherry Vinegar that’s perfect for preserving the essence of summer cherries all year round. Give it a try, and let the vibrant flavors elevate your dishes! πβ¨
