Cherry Jelly

Cherry Jelly Recipe – A Sweet and Savory Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 3-4 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Who doesn’t love a sweet and refreshing snack? Cherry jelly is a quick and simple dessert, perfect for hot summer days or as a sweet treat any time of the year. The intense flavor of fresh cherries will delight your taste buds, and its soft and velvety texture will impress everyone who tries it.

A Brief History of Cherry Jelly
Over time, jellies have been appreciated for their versatility and sweetness. This simple recipe combines tradition with innovation, bringing together natural ingredients to create a dessert that reminds us of childhood. Cherries, with their vibrant hues, have been used in sweet dishes since ancient times, and cherry jelly is a delicious way to preserve this unique flavor.

Necessary Ingredients
- 500 ml cherry juice (ideally from fresh cherries, but canned is also fine)
- 2 packets of gelatin granules (about 14 g)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or to taste)
- Sugar for rolling the jellies (optional)

Follow the steps carefully to achieve the perfect jelly:

1. Preparing the cherries
Start by placing the cherries in a blender. If using fresh cherries, make sure to wash them well and remove the pits. Blend until you achieve a smooth puree. It’s important to get a uniform consistency to avoid large chunks in the jelly.

2. Straining the juice
Pour the cherry puree into a strainer placed over a pot. Use a spoon to gently press the puree, helping to drain the juice. This process is essential to obtain a smooth jelly without impurities. Make sure you’ve extracted all the juice, as this will be the base of your jelly.

3. Preparing the gelatin
Take a glass with 500 ml of the cherry juice obtained and heat it in a pot. Be careful not to let it boil! When warm, add the gelatin granules and stir quickly, ensuring it dissolves completely. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes for the gelatin to dissolve well.

4. Mixing the ingredients
After 10 minutes, pour the juice with gelatin over the remaining juice from the strainer. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Add the honey and continue stirring until completely dissolved. If you prefer a sweeter jelly, you can adjust the amount of honey to your taste.

5. Forming the jellies
Pour the mixture into silicone molds or cups, depending on your preferences. These will give the jelly a beautiful and appealing shape.

6. Cooling
Place the molds in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours, during which the jelly will set. It’s the perfect time to relax and eagerly await enjoying your creation.

7. Serving
Once the jelly has set, you can serve it plain or rolled in sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. I prefer to serve it in cups, without sugar, to savor the pure flavor of cherries. It’s delicious alongside vanilla ice cream or as a filling for cakes and tarts.

Tips and Variations
For a personal touch, you can add a few fresh mint leaves to the mixture or even a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness of the jellies. You can also experiment with other types of fruits or combinations, such as cherries with raspberries or blueberries, to achieve a variety of flavors.

Nutritional Benefits
Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. They help maintain heart health and reduce inflammation. Honey is a natural sweetener, full of beneficial properties for the immune system. Therefore, cherry jelly is not just a delicacy but also a healthy choice!

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of fruits?
Of course! You can use any favorite fruits, but make sure to adjust the amount of sugar and honey according to their sweetness.

- What other recipes can I make with cherry jelly?
Cherry jelly is delicious on toast, as a filling for cakes, or as a topping for Greek yogurt. You can also create a sauce for chocolate desserts!

- How can I store the jelly?
Store the cherry jelly in the refrigerator in an airtight container, where it will last up to a week. I recommend consuming it as soon as possible to enjoy its freshness!

In conclusion, cherry jelly is a simple and delicious recipe that anyone can make at home. So gather your ingredients and let yourself be carried away by the natural flavors of cherries! Enjoy!