Absolutely! Let’s delve into the world of homemade Black Bing Cherry Preserves, a delightful concoction that’s perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on yogurt, or even gifting to loved ones. This recipe is a sweet symphony of fresh cherries, sugar, and a hint of lemon juice, creating a vibrant preserve bursting with fruity goodness. 🍒✨
Black Bing Cherry Preserves
Recipe Information:
- Name: Black Bing Cherry Preserves
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 48 hours
- Total Time: 48 hours 15 minutes
- Recipe Category: Low Protein
- Keywords: Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight, Easy
- Yield: About 1 1/2 pints
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1367.3
- Fat Content: 1.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 5.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 352.5g
- Fiber Content: 10.9g
- Sugar Content: 333.3g
- Protein Content: 5.6g
Ingredients:
- 5 cups Bing cherries, pitted
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prep the Cherries: Begin by pitting 5 cups of fresh Bing cherries. You can use a cherry pitter or carefully remove the pits with a paring knife. It’s a bit of work, but the juicy results are well worth it! 🍒 |
| 2 | Combine Cherries and Sugar: In a large, heavy, shallow, non-reactive saucepan, combine the pitted cherries with 2 cups of sugar. This sweetens and helps preserve the cherries beautifully. Set this mixture aside to sit and plump, ideally for several hours or, for the best flavor infusion, overnight. Cover the saucepan and let the magic happen! ✨ |
| 3 | Add Water and Boil: After the cherries have had their sweet soak, add 1/2 cup of water to the saucepan. This will help create the perfect syrupy consistency. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it bubble away for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. 🌟 |
| 4 | Add Lemon Juice and Thicken: Time to add a zesty kick! Pour in 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice. This adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cherries. Continue to cook the mixture, now stirring more frequently, until it thickens into a luscious, jelly-like consistency. For the perfect set, use a candy thermometer and cook until it reaches 221°F (105°C). 🍋 |
| 5 | Cool and Rest: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let your preserves cool slightly. The aroma will be heavenly! Allow the mixture to sit, covered, overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in preserves that taste like pure summer. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the preserves at this stage. ❄️ |
| 6 | Packaging the Goodness: The next day, awaken to the delightful scent of cherries and sweetness. Reheat the preserves gently, bringing them back to a boil. This step ensures proper sterilization. |
| 7 | Fill and Seal Jars: Prepare your canning jars by sterilizing them in boiling water. Carefully ladle the hot cherry preserves into the jars, leaving a bit of headspace at the top. This headspace allows for expansion as the preserves cool. Secure the lids tightly. 💫 |
| 8 | Storage Options: These Black Bing Cherry Preserves can be stored in a couple of ways. For short-term enjoyment, keep them in the refrigerator, where they’ll happily await your next breakfast or snack time. For longer storage, pop the sealed jars into the freezer. This preserves their fresh flavor for months to come, ready to spread joy on a whim! 🌿 |
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy your Black Bing Cherry Preserves in a myriad of ways! Spread generously on warm buttered toast for a comforting breakfast treat. 🍞
- Dollop a spoonful on top of creamy Greek yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of fruity goodness. 🥣
- Use as a delightful filling for thumbprint cookies or as a topping for cheesecake. 🍪
- Share the love by gifting jars of these preserves to friends and family. Tie a ribbon around the jar and you have a thoughtful homemade present! 🎁
Notes:
- Cherry Selection: Opt for ripe, juicy Bing cherries for the best flavor. If you can’t find Bing cherries, other sweet varieties will work well too.
- Texture Preference: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to lightly blend the preserves before packaging.
- Canning Safety: If you’re new to canning, ensure you follow proper sterilization and sealing techniques to preserve your preserves safely.
- Creative Twists: Feel free to customize! Add a splash of almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor, or a pinch of cinnamon for a hint of warmth.
Now, armed with this delightful Black Bing Cherry Preserves recipe, you’re all set to embark on a journey of fruity, sweet bliss. Enjoy the process of creating these preserves, savoring the aroma that fills your kitchen, and most importantly, relishing each spoonful of this homemade goodness. 🍒✨ Happy preserving! 🥳
