Sweet and Sassy Cherry Sauce

Sweet and Sassy Cherry Sauce Recipe

| Servings: 4

Introduction

Sweet and Sassy Cherry Sauce is a delightful and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. This sauce is bursting with the natural sweetness of cherries and has a hint of tartness from the lemon juice. It is the perfect accompaniment to desserts, meats, and even breakfast dishes.

History

Cherries have been enjoyed for centuries and are often associated with summer and indulgence. This cherry sauce recipe combines the sweetness of cherries with a touch of tartness to create a well-balanced and flavorful sauce that can elevate any dish.

Ingredients

2 cups of pitted sweet cherries
2 tbsp of sugar
2 tbsp of water
a pinch of salt (0.13 tsp)
2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
0.5 tsp of freshly grated lemon rind
1 tbsp of kirsch (or 1 tsp of cherry flavoring)

How to prepare

In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and water.
Simmer the mixture for 4 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the cherries from the saucepan and set them aside.
In a separate bowl, dissolve 2 tsp of cornstarch in 2 tsp of cold water.
Bring the syrup in the saucepan to a boil and gradually stir in the cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously until the juice thickens.
Add salt, lemon juice, lemon rind, and kirsch to the saucepan.
Continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 7 minutes.
Return the cherries to the syrup in the saucepan and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully pour the mixture into a sterile jar.
The syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Variations

Add a splash of bourbon or brandy for a boozy twist.
Stir in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a more complex flavor profile.
Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh cherries for the best flavor. If fresh cherries are not available, you can use frozen cherries, but be sure to thaw them before using.

- Adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe based on your personal preference for sweetness.

- The addition of cherry flavoring enhances the cherry flavor in the sauce, but it can be omitted if desired.

- Be sure to stir the cornstarch mixture continuously to prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet and Sassy Cherry Sauce is perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or grilled meats. It can also be used as a topping for cheesecake or yogurt.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering, thickening, and flavoring are the key cooking techniques used in this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

If fresh cherries are not available, you can use frozen cherries.

- Cherry flavoring can be substituted with almond extract or vanilla extract.

Make Ahead Tips

Sweet and Sassy Cherry Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sweet and Sassy Cherry Sauce in a small pitcher or drizzle it over dishes using a spoon for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This sauce pairs well with vanilla ice cream, grilled pork chops, roasted chicken, or yogurt parfaits.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Sweet and Sassy Cherry Sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently in a saucepan before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 100

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 26g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugars: 20g

Fats

Total Fat: 0g

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 1g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 8mg

Calcium: 15mg

Iron: 0.5mg

Alergens

This recipe does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Sweet and Sassy Cherry Sauce is a low-fat, low-calorie sauce that is rich in vitamin C and fiber. It is a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.

Summary

Sweet and Sassy Cherry Sauce is a versatile and delicious sauce that can elevate any dish. With its sweet and tart flavors, this sauce is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It all started many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own beloved grandmother. She was a remarkable woman who had a knack for creating delicious dishes that always left us wanting more. One day, as we were sorting through her old recipe cards, we stumbled upon a faded piece of paper that simply read "Sweet and Sassy Cherry Sauce."

Curious and intrigued, my grandmother began to recount the story of how she came to learn this recipe. It all began when she was a young bride, eager to impress her new husband with her culinary skills. She had attended a cooking class at the local community center, where she met a kind older woman named Mrs. Jenkins. Mrs. Jenkins had taken my grandmother under her wing and taught her the secrets of many delicious recipes, including the famous Sweet and Sassy Cherry Sauce.

Mrs. Jenkins had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who in turn had learned it from her great-grandmother. It was a family heirloom of sorts, passed down through the generations. The secret to the sauce, Mrs. Jenkins explained, was in the combination of fresh cherries, a hint of spice, and just the right amount of sweetness. It was a versatile sauce that could be used in a variety of dishes, from desserts to main courses.

As my grandmother listened intently to Mrs. Jenkins' instructions, she couldn't wait to try the recipe for herself. She gathered the necessary ingredients and spent the afternoon in the kitchen, carefully following each step. The sweet aroma of cherries and spices filled the air as the sauce simmered on the stove, thickening to the perfect consistency.

When my grandfather came home that evening, he was greeted with the delicious scent of the Sweet and Sassy Cherry Sauce. He took one bite and declared it the best thing he had ever tasted. From that moment on, it became a staple in their household, enjoyed on everything from ice cream to pork chops.

Over the years, my grandmother perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit her own tastes. She added a touch of cinnamon for warmth, a splash of brandy for depth, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. The result was a sauce that was truly sweet and sassy, with a perfect balance of flavors that danced on the palate.

As I listened to my grandmother's story, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in knowing that this beloved recipe had been passed down through the generations. It was a connection to the past, a link to the women who had come before us and who had shared their love of cooking with us.

To this day, whenever I make the Sweet and Sassy Cherry Sauce, I think of my grandmother and Mrs. Jenkins, and the legacy of culinary excellence that they have left behind. It is a recipe that brings joy and comfort to all who taste it, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And for that, I am forever grateful.