Sour Cherry Spoon Sweet

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb dried sour cherries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 pinch coarse salt
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup kirschwasser
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. 1

   Place the cherries in a colander under cold running water to rinse well. Transfer to a small mixing bowl and add 2 cups cold water. (The water should cover the cherries by about 1 inch.)

2. 2

   Set aside to soak for 2 hours. Drain well, separately reserving the cherries and the soaking liquid.

3. 3

   Place the cherries in a small heavy saucepan.

4. 4

   Sprinkle the sugar over the top to cover the cherries.

5. 5

   Add a pinch of salt along with the reserved soaking liquid.

6. 6

   Place over high heat and bring to a boil.

7. 7

   Lower the heat and simmer, without stirring, for 20 minutes.

8. 8

   Brush the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush from time to time to keep the sugars from crystallizing around the edges.

9. 9

   Remove from the heat and set aside for at least 2 hours.

10. 10

    Return the saucepan to high heat and bring to a boil, using a metal spoon to skim off any foam that rises to the top.

11. 11

    Insert a candy thermometer into the pot and boil for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 230°F to 240°F on the thermometer.

12. 12

    Stir in the lemon juice and boil for 1 minute.

13. 13

    Remove the saucepan from the heat.

14. 14

    Stir in the kirshwasser and vanilla and set aside to cool.

15. 15

    When cool, serve or transfer to a non-reactive container, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 months.