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Person wearing a light grey apron, stirring a pan full of cherries in syrup with a wooden spoon.

A Recipe for Making Cherry Compote: Luscious and Delicious

The experience of jewel-like cherries mixed with a syrupy citrus sweetness is something everyone should enjoy at least once.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Condiment, Dessert
Cuisine British
Servings 6
Calories 74 kcal

Equipment

  • Kitchen scales
  • Chopping board and knife
  • Cherry pitter/de-stoner
  • Zester
  • Medium sized saucepan
  • Long-handled spoon for stirring
  • Ladle
  • Jam Funnel
  • Clean, sterilised glass jars with sealable lids

Ingredients
  

  • 450 g cherries, pitted and halved with some left whole
  • 1 medium orange, zested and juiced to give, 30 ml orange juice - and 1 tsp orange zest
  • 30 ml water
  • 25 g sugar
  • pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Wash the cherries and the orange. Remove the cherry stalks. Use a cherry pitter/de-stoner to remove the pits. Cut most of the cherries in half; you may want to leave some whole as this gives the compote a luxurious look. Weigh the prepared cherries.
  • Zest the orange until you have roughly one teaspoon of fine zest. Then squeeze the orange for the juice.
  • Place the prepared cherries in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
    Add the water, orange juice and zest, and sugar to the saucepan with the cherries. Stir until everything is combined evenly.
  • Allow the mixture to come to a boil on this medium heat, then adjust the heat to let it all simmer for between 7-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should start to thicken and the cherry juices will soften and become less tart as they cook down.
  • Once done simmering, add a pinch of salt to balance out flavours, if desired.
  • You don't have to check for a set as the compote is meant to be softer than a jam. (but you could if you prefer).
    Once it reaches a thickness that you are happy with, remove it from the heat, and leave it to stand for a minute.
  • Ladle into your clean sterilised jar(s), cover it with the lids(s) and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
  • It can last in a cool dark place for 6-8 weeks; although I prefer to store some in the refrigerator to enjoy for a couple of weeks, and freeze the rest in a freezer-safe container or even zip-lock bags for around 10 months.

Notes

TIPS for making a cherry compote

1. Choose sweet, ripe cherries for the best flavour
Sweet and ripe cherries will give you the most flavorful results.
2. Simmer gently to thicken and reduce:
Slowly simmer your cherry compote, stirring occasionally until desired thickness is achieved. Make sure not to over-boil or overcook as this will make it too thick and sticky, which will reduce the lusciousness of the experience when eating it.
3. Spice up with additional flavours
If desired add a pinch of ground spices like cinnamon or cardamom along with some drops of good quality vanilla extract for extra depth of flavour while cooking the compote on low heat setting stirring constantly every few minutes so that spices infuse properly without burning or sticking at bottom of pot/pan.
4. It can be made with fresh, tinned, or frozen cherries:
Being able to make this compote by using fresh, tinned, or frozen cherries makes this sweet and tart treat versatile and easy to make whenever you want it.

Customize your compote

  • Add lemon zest and/or lemon juice to balance the sweetness and add some zing.
  • Spice things up with cinnamon, nutmeg allspice, star anise or cardamom.
  • Stir in some vanilla extract for a sublime flavour combination.
  • Mix in a dash of your favourite liqueur such as Kirsch or Grand Marnier for that complimentary flavour that works well with cherries; or some cherry brandy to turn up the volume on the taste of cherries.
  • Add some dried cranberries for a contrasting tart note, with texture. Or some nuts...

Suggestions about enjoying this cherry experience

1. Spread it on toast or biscuits for a sweet breakfast treat.
2. Drizzle the compote over your favourite ice cream for a delightful dessert treat.
3. Create an indulgent pudding by layering cherry compote and whipped cream in glasses. Garnish with nuts or chocolate and serve with shortbread biscuits.
4. Make a breakfast, or snack, bowl with yoghurt, granola, and cherry compote.
5. Use the cherry preserve as a topping for pancakes or waffles.

Nutrition

Calories: 74kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.04gSodium: 0.3mgPotassium: 206mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 97IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 0.3mg
Nutritional Disclaimer

All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.

Keyword cherry compote
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