Description
Luxurious cherries preserved in a spiced port syrup with cinnamon, star anise, and orange. A festive condiment perfect for desserts, cheese boards, or cocktails.
Ingredients
700 g fresh cherries, stalks removed and pitted
2 thick strips orange zest
Juice of 1 orange (top up with water to 250 ml / 1 cup)
¾ cup (155 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (250 ml) good port
2 star anise pods
1 cinnamon stick
1 vanilla bean, split (or 1 tsp vanilla extract, added later)
Instructions
- Remove stalks and pits from cherries.
- In a pot, combine orange juice (topped up with water), sugar, port, star anise, orange zest, cinnamon, and vanilla bean. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Add cherries and cook 3–4 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and place in sterilized jars.
- Simmer syrup 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- If using vanilla extract, stir it in now.
- Remove aromatics and pour hot syrup over cherries in jars. Seal and invert for a few minutes, then cool.
- Store in fridge, or follow canning methods for longer storage.
Notes
- Swap port for brandy, red wine, or Marsala.
- Replace star anise with cloves or cardamom.
- Add balsamic vinegar for depth.
- Try with plums or blackberries.
- Add peppercorns for subtle spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British, Festive
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 tbsp (with syrup)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
