Candied Cherries Recipes

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring sugar & water to boil, then add cherries & lemon half.
• Reduce heat to low & let simmer about 20 minutes, or until syrup is red & slightly thick.
• Remove from heat & let stand 2-3 hours or overnight.
• Strain the cherries, reserving the syrup, & set the cherries aside.
• Discard lemon half & add apple juice to the syrup.
• Over medium-high heat, bring syrup to boil & cook 5 minutes.
• Return cherries to syrup, reduce heat to low & cook slowly until thick & a candy thermometer reads 220 degrees F (or 105 degrees C).
• Cherries can be stored at least 6 months in the refrigerator.

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, combine the cherries, water or apple juice, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the juices are quite syrupy and thickened to the consistency of warm honey, 15 to 20 minutes. If you like, you can use a candy thermometer to gauge doneness; the mixture should register about 220°F (105°C).
• Transfer the cherries to a jar. Let cool, then cover and refrigerate.
• The cherries in their syrup will keep for at least 6 months in the refrigerator.
• To boost the cherry flavor, stir 1/8 teaspoon almond extract or 1 teaspoon amaretto liqueur into the cherries just before placing them in the jar.
• You can double or even triple this recipe, to take advantage of the cherry season. If you do make a big batch, simmer a lemon half or a lemon slice or two with the cherries, then remove it before transferring to the jars.