Have you ever wanted to capture the rich and vibrant flavor of cherries in a healthy way? Look no further! This old-fashioned recipe allows you to make your own natural, sugar-free cherry syrup without the hassle of pitting cherries or adding preservatives. Let’s get started!
Why Choose Sugar-Free Cherry Syrup?
By making cherry syrup without sugar, you can savor the natural sweetness of cherries without the added calories. This is especially beneficial for those who are watching their sugar intake or looking for healthier alternatives.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of fresh cherries (no need to pit them)
- 4 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of stevia or your preferred natural sweetener (optional)
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare and Cook the Cherries
Start by washing the cherries thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. Since you won’t be pitting them, there’s no need to spend extra time on this step. In a large pot, combine the cherries and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the cherries are soft and have released their juices.
2. Strain the Mixture
After simmering, pour the cherry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into another pot or large bowl. Use a spoon to press down on the cherries to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
3. Add Lemon Juice and Sweetener
Return the strained cherry juice to the pot. Add the lemon juice, which helps preserve the color and adds a bit of brightness to the flavor. If you want a slightly sweeter syrup, you can add stevia or your preferred natural sweetener at this point. Stir well.
4. Simmer to Thicken
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the syrup has thickened to your desired consistency. Keep in mind that it will thicken more as it cools.
5. Bottle and Store the Syrup
Once the syrup has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Pour the syrup into clean, sterilized bottles or jars. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator. The syrup can be kept for several weeks.
How to Enjoy Cherry Syrup
Now that you have your homemade cherry syrup, here are a few delicious ways to use it:
- Pancakes and Waffles: Drizzle cherry syrup over pancakes or waffles for a fruity, sweet breakfast treat.
- Drinks: Add a splash of cherry syrup to sparkling water, iced tea, or cocktails for a refreshing flavor boost.
- Desserts: Use it as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or cheesecake for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Marinades and Sauces: Incorporate the syrup into marinades for meats or use it to glaze roasted vegetables.
In Conclusion
Creating your own cherry syrup at home without pitting cherries, using preservatives, or adding sugar is simple and rewarding. This healthy and natural syrup captures the essence of cherries and can be used in a variety of ways. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delicious, guilt-free taste of homemade cherry syrup. Happy syrup-making!
