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How to Make Candied Cherries from Maraschino Cherries
Candied cherries, also known as glace cherries, are a popular ingredient in a variety of desserts. They add a sweet and colorful touch to cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. While you can purchase candied cherries at the store, making them at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. Here’s how to make candied cherries from maraschino cherries in a few simple steps.
First, gather the necessary ingredients: a jar of maraschino cherries, granulated sugar, water, and almond extract. Next, drain the maraschino cherries, reserving the liquid for another use, such as flavoring co*cktails or mocktails. Pat the cherries dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water, and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the cherries to the saucepan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring gently to ensure that the cherries are evenly coated with the syrup.
Continue to cook the cherries in the syrup for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cherries are translucent and the syrup has thickened. Stir in a few drops of almond extract to enhance the flavor, if desired. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the cherries to cool in the syrup for at least 30 minutes. Once the cherries have cooled, transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet to dry for several hours or overnight. The finished candied cherries can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month, or in the refrigerator for up to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions about Making Candied Cherries
Can I use fresh cherries to make candied cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries to make candied cherries, but the process will be more time-consuming. You’ll need to pit the cherries and cook them in a sugar syrup until they’re candied. Maraschino cherries are already pitted and preserved in a sweet syrup, making them a convenient and popular choice for making candied cherries at home.
How long do candied cherries last?
Properly stored, homemade candied cherries can last up to a month at room temperature or up to three months in the refrigerator. Be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing moisture and hardening.
Can I customize the flavor of the candied cherries?
Yes, you can customize the flavor of the candied cherries by adding different extracts, such as vanilla, almond, or lemon, to the sugar syrup. You can also experiment with using different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey, to create unique flavor combinations.
What desserts can I use candied cherries in?
Candied cherries are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of desserts, such as fruitcakes, cookies, scones, and muffins. They add a sweet and colorful touch to both baked and no-bake treats.
Can I freeze candied cherries?
Yes, you can freeze candied cherries for long-term storage. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and store them in the freezer for up to six months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before using.
What are some creative ways to use candied cherries?
In addition to using candied cherries in baked goods, you can use them as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or oatmeal. You can also chop them up and add them to salads, trail mix, or granola for a sweet and tangy twist.
Are candied cherries the same as maraschino cherries?
While both candied cherries and maraschino cherries are preserved in a sweet syrup, they are not exactly the same. Maraschino cherries are typically bright red in color and artificially flavored, whereas candied cherries are cooked in a sugar syrup until they become translucent and take on a chewy texture.
Can I use the leftover syrup from the maraschino cherries for other recipes?
Yes, you can use the leftover syrup from the maraschino cherries to add a sweet and fruity flavor to co*cktails, mocktails, smoothies, or homemade sodas. You can also use it to flavor frostings, glazes, or sauces for desserts.
Can I use different colors of maraschino cherries to make candied cherries?
Yes, you can use maraschino cherries in different colors, such as red, green, or yellow, to make candied cherries. You can also mix different colors together to create a colorful assortment of candied cherries for your baked goods.
How do I prevent the cherries from clumping together as they dry?
To prevent the candied cherries from clumping together as they dry, spread them out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This will allow air to circulate around each cherry, helping them to dry evenly and independently.
What should I do if the sugar syrup crystallizes as it cooks?
If the sugar syrup starts to crystallize as it cooks, you can carefully add a small amount of water to the saucepan and gently stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Be cautious not to add too much water, as this can dilute the flavor and change the consistency of the syrup.
What is the best way to incorporate candied cherries into fruitcake?
To incorporate candied cherries into fruitcake, toss them in a small amount of flour before adding them to the batter. This will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking and ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
