Cherry Pickles
Intro:
Looking to add a unique twist to your appetizer spread or charcuterie board? Try making your own Cherry Pickles! These delightful bites are sweet, tangy, and bursting with flavor. They are perfect as a standalone snack, a complement to cheese and crackers, or as a topping for salads. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch of Cherry Pickles to impress your guests or enjoy yourself.
Cherry Pickles
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
– 1 teaspoon whole cloves
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the cherries by washing them thoroughly and removing the pits. You can use a cherry pitter for this step to make it easier and faster.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
3. Once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the prepared cherries to the saucepan and stir gently to coat them with the pickling liquid. Let the cherries simmer in the liquid for another 5 minutes, or until they are slightly softened but still retain their shape.
5. Turn off the heat and let the Cherry Pickles cool to room temperature in the saucepan. Once cooled, transfer the cherries and pickling liquid to a clean glass jar or airtight container.
6. Refrigerate the Cherry Pickles for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop and infuse into the cherries. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
7. Serve the Cherry Pickles as a tasty and unexpected addition to your cheese board, antipasto platter, or hors d’oeuvres spread. You can also chop them up and add them to salads for a sweet and tangy twist.
Enjoy your homemade Cherry Pickles and savor the unique flavor combination of sweet cherries with a hint of spice and tanginess. These pickles are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a special treat for yourself. Experiment with different spices and vinegars to customize the recipe to your taste preferences.