Cherry jam

Homemade cherry jam - a perfect delicacy for winter

Cooking cherry jam at home is a satisfying activity that will remind you of warm summer days and the flavors of fresh fruits. This simple and quick recipe for cherry jam, without preservatives, will provide you with a culinary delight that you can enjoy all year round. The total preparation time is about 2 hours, and from these ingredients, you will get approximately 10 servings.

Ingredients:
- 3 kg of cherries
- 1 kg of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar or a vanilla pod

Preparation:

1. Preparing the cherries: Start by washing the cherries under cold running water, ensuring you remove any impurities. Then, remove the pits. This step can be quite labor-intensive, but it is essential for achieving a smooth jam. A quicker option is to use a cherry pitter if you have one handy.

2. Preparing the juice: Place the cleaned cherries in a large pot. Add 200 ml of cold water to prevent sticking at the beginning. Boil the cherries over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juice (about 15-20 minutes).

3. Sweetening: After the cherries have boiled, add the sugar. Mix well to ensure the sugar dissolves evenly. Continue to boil the mixture on low heat, stirring frequently, for about 40-60 minutes.

4. Checking the consistency: The jam is ready when it becomes viscous and holds together easily. A simple trick to check the consistency is to place a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate. If it doesn't run and stays compact, it's time to continue.

5. Flavoring: Finally, add the vanilla sugar or the split vanilla pod to infuse the jam with a delicious aroma. Let it boil for another 5-10 minutes.

6. Bottling: Sterilize the jars in which you will store the jam. You can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Fill the jars with hot jam, seal them tightly, and let them cool to room temperature.

7. Storing: Cherry jam can be kept in jars for a few years, but once you open a jar, make sure to keep it in the fridge and consume it within a few weeks.

Practical tips:
- Use fresh, juicy cherries for a more intense flavor.
- You can experiment by adding other ingredients, such as a splash of lemon juice for a contrast of acidity or cinnamon for a warmer flavor.
- If you prefer smoother jams, you can puree the jam with an immersion blender after it has cooled to achieve a more uniform texture.

Serving suggestions:
Cherry jam is perfect for spreading on a slice of toasted bread with butter, but you can also use it as a delicious filling for pancakes or pastries. It is also wonderful combined with cottage cheese or feta cheese, creating a savory contrast between sweet and salty.

This homemade cherry jam recipe is not only a great way to take advantage of seasonal fruits but also an opportunity to create culinary memories with loved ones. Enjoy every spoonful and savor the taste of summer even on the coldest winter days!