Sour cherry jam

Cherry jam is a delight that reminds us of warm summer days, when juicy fruits tantalize our taste buds and fill our souls with joy. This simple and quick cherry jam recipe is perfect for preserving the aroma of summer in jars, offering you an explosion of flavor with every forkful. Not only is it a delicious dessert, but it is also an excellent option for sweetening pancakes, yogurt, or even a slice of toasted bread.

Total preparation time: 3 hours (including waiting time)
Cooking time: 2-2.5 hours
Number of servings: 10 jars of 400g

Ingredients:
- 2 kg fresh cherries
- 2 kg granulated sugar
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar

Practical tip: Choose ripe cherries, but make sure they are not too soft. These will give the jam a better texture and a more intense flavor. If you do not have a special pitting tool, a safety pin or a simple fork can work wonders.

Step 1: Preparing the cherries
Start by carefully washing the cherries under a stream of cold water. Make sure to remove any that are spoiled or have spots. After washing, remove the pits. If you are using a special tool, it will be quick. If not, a safety pin can help you remove the pits with minimal effort.

Step 2: Layering
In a large pot, arrange the cherries in a single layer, followed by a layer of sugar. Continue to alternate layers of cherries and sugar until all ingredients are used. Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This process will help extract the juice from the cherries and make cooking the jam easier the next day.

Step 3: Cooking the jam
The next day, take the pot out of the refrigerator and place it on low heat. Gently stir to combine the cherries with the sugar. When the mixture starts to boil, remove the foam that forms on the surface with a skimmer. This is an important step, as the foam can leave a bitter taste and an unpleasant texture.

Helpful tip: You can use a wooden spoon to stir the jam. Not only is it easier to use, but it also helps prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Boiling
Keep the heat low and let the jam simmer for 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Check the consistency of the jam with a teaspoon; it should have a viscous texture, but not too thick. It's important to stay close to the pot to avoid burning, as I learned the hard way when I got distracted on the phone.

Step 5: Bottling
Once the jam has boiled, take the pot off the heat and let it cool slightly. Use sterilized jars to store the jam. Fill the jars with hot jam, leaving a little space at the top, then seal them tightly with lids.

Serving suggestion: You can use cherry jam to fill pancakes, sweeten yogurt, or simply enjoy it on a slice of toasted bread. It is also an excellent ingredient to add a touch of sweetness to various desserts or sauces.

Nutritional information: A serving of jam (approximately 40g) contains about 100 calories, providing a quick source of energy due to its high sugar content. Additionally, cherries are rich in antioxidants and can benefit heart health and the immune system.

Possible variations: If you want a more sophisticated jam, you can add a hint of flavor with a few drops of almond extract or a bit of cinnamon at the end of boiling. You can also combine cherries with other fruits, such as raspberries or cherries, to create a mixed jam.

Frequently asked questions:
1. How can I tell if the jam is ready?
The jam is ready when, on a cold plate, a drop of jam holds its shape without spreading.

2. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, frozen cherries can be used, but you may need more sugar to compensate for the loss of juice.

3. How can I keep the jam longer?
Make sure the jars are well sterilized and sealed tightly. If you want to keep it longer, you can do a preservation process by sterilizing the jars filled with jam.

Enjoy this cherry jam recipe! It is a pleasant and relaxing activity, perfect for gathering the family around the table and creating beautiful memories. Happy cooking!