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Easy Amaretto Cherries

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A delightful Lazzaroni copycat recipe, these Easy Amaretto Cherries transform fresh cherries into a sweet and nutty treat, perfect for desserts and cocktails.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 – 3.5 lbs Cherries (pitted)
  • 1 1/4 C Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 C Amaretto
  • 1/2 C Water (preferably filtered)
  • 1 Lemon (juiced; zest saved for another purpose)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tsp Almond Extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Cherries: Start by washing your fresh cherries thoroughly under cool water. If you have a cherry pitter, this is your moment to shine! Pitting them allows the syrup to soak in beautifully. If you don’t, just slice them gently and remove the pits. Put those pitted cherries into a large saucepan.
  2. Mix It Up: In the same saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir it all together over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. The mixture should feel syrupy and sweet!
  3. Add the Cherries: Once your syrup is ready, gently add the pitted cherries into the pot. Turn up the heat a notch, letting everything come to a light boil. Stir delicately to coat the cherries without breaking them apart.
  4. Simmer for Flavor: Lower the heat and let the cherries simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the cherries to soften and soak in all those delicious flavors. You’ll notice the syrup thickening slightly—that’s what you want!
  5. Incorporate the Amaretto: After the cherries have simmered, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Amaretto. This last step infuses the fragrance and flavor of almonds right into your cherries.
  6. Cool It Down: Allow the cherries to cool in the syrup at room temperature. This step is crucial; letting them cool fully allows them to take on even more flavor!
  7. Transferring to Jars: Once cool, transfer your Amaretto Cherries to sterilized jars. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Notes

These cherries can enhance vanilla ice cream, yogurt, pancakes, or French toast. Add reserved lemon zest for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Amaretto, Cherries, Dessert, Summer Recipe, Cherry Recipe

Find it online: https://mapleladle.com/speedy-amaretto-cherries-lazzaroni-copycat-recipe/