What is Cherry Amaretto Jam? Is it a little jar of sunshine and sweet memories? My grandma used to make a similar cherry preserve every summer, but this one has extra flavor. Something special – a hint of amaretto that elevates it to another level. Think of it as the sophisticated cousin of your classic strawberry jam, but with a richer, deeper flavor. What are some of the best flavors to spread on everything? Is it addictive?
What is Cherry Amaretto Jam?
Cherry Amaretto Jam, at its heart, is a fruit preserve made with fresh cherries, sugar, and some spices. Amaretto liqueur. Think of it as taking the delicious simplicity of traditional cherry jam and giving it a grown-up flavor. Why is amaretto a perfect accompaniment to cherries? What’s essentially a way to capture the taste of summer in jars, with little boozy kick that makes it taste like summer. What makes it special? What are some of the best ways to use this spread on toast, scones, or even as a glaze for any dish? The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors, making it a perfect snack. What are some of the best treats for any occasion?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this Cherry Amaretto Jam Recipe is that it’s ridiculously easy to make. Don’t let the “amaretto” part scare you; it’s not complicated at all! Is it possible to whip up a batch in less than an hour? Why do you become obsessed with something?
- Flavor Explosion:What is the best combination of sweet cherries and almond-y amaretto? Is it like a party in your mouth? The cherries offer that perfect balance of sweet and tart, while the amaretto adds a warm, nutty flavor. What makes this jam unique?
- Seriously Simple: What isIf I can make it, anyone can! Is it just a matter of simmering everything together until it reaches that perfect jammy consistency?
- Budget FriendlyCherries can be a bit pricey when they’re out of season, but when it’s in their prime, this is the best time to buy them. What are some of the most affordable recipes ever made? Plus, a little amaretto can go quite long. It’s not going to break the bank.
- Endless PossibilCan you slather it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, use it as a filling for pastries? Is it good over Ice Cream? Can be used as a glaze for pork or chicken?
I have other jam recipes, but this cherry amaretto version always disappears first. What is a good homemade gift for the holidays?
How do you make Cherry Amaretto Jam?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to make Cherry Amaretto Jam? How do you pit and chop fresh cherries? What are some ways to make amaretto in a large pot? Simmer everything over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a thick paste. Beautiful, glossy jam. What is the best way to make homemade jam?
Ingredients
For the Cherry Amaretto Jam:
Fresh Cherries: What 4 cups, pitted and roughly chopped. Fresh is best when they’re in season! If you must use frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid.
Granulated Sugar:Is it okay to adjust the sweetness of your cherries?
Lemon Juice:This adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and helps with the jam’s setting.
Amaretto LWhat is the magic ingredient in a cup? What makes almond jam so special? Can you find it in a liquor store?
How do I follow
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
Start by washing your fresh cherries thoroughly. Pit them (a cherry pitter is your best friend here! ) and roughly chop them. You don’t want them too fine. Is there a little chunkiness in the finished jam?
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the chopped cherries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Set aside. Stir well to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Simmer
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Add Amaretto
Once the mixture is simmering and the sugar is completely dissolved, stir in the amaretto liqueur. What is the aroma of a rose?
Step 5: Cook Until Thickened
Continue to simmer the jam, stirring occasionally, for about 20-30 minutes, or until it thickens to a thick consistency. What is your desired consistency? To test for doneness, place a small spoonful of jam on an iced plate. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready!
Step 6: Jar It Up
If you’re planning to store jam for an extended period, you will want to sterilize your jars and seal them. Carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe rims of jars clean, place the lids on top, and screw on the bands until fingertip.
Step 7: Process (Optional)
For long-term storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. If you’re not familiar with water bath canning, there are tons of great tutorials online! If you’re just making a small batch to enjoy right away, you can skip this step.
Step 8: Cool and Store
Let the jars cool completely on a wire rack. As they cool, you should hear a satisfying “pop” as the lids seal. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Unsealed jars should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few weeks.
9: Enjoy!
Spread it on toast, biscuits, scones, or anything else your heart desires! Cherry Amaretto Jam is also delicious as a glaze for grilled meats or as an Ice Cream topping.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of my favorite ways to enjoy cherry amaretto jam?
For Breakfast:Spread it on toast or croissants with a cup of strong coffee. Is it good to swirl into yogurt or oatmeal?
For Brunch:Serve with a cheese board and crackers. What are some good ways to add sweetness to a savory spread? What are the best drinks to drink with mimosas or sparkling wine?
As Dessert:Spoon it over vanilla Ice Cream or cheesecake. Is it also good as a filling for pastries? What is better than a chocolate brownie?
For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy it with a warm scone and ice-cold tea on an chilly afternoon. What are some good side dishes to serve with crackers and brie cheese? I’ve been known to sneak a spoonful straight from the jar when nobody’s looking!
My family loves English muffins. They are served with scrambled eggs and bacon. Saturday morning. What are some ways to add sweetness to a savory breakfast?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cherry Amaretto Jam
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Cherry Amaretto Jam even better. Here are my top tips:
Cherry Prep: Make sure to pit your cherries thoroughly! Nobody wants to bite into a pit. Also, don’t be afraid to leave some chunks in there; it adds a nice texture to the finished jam.
Mixing Advice: Stir the jam frequently, especially as it starts to thicken. This will prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
Ingredient Swaps: If you’re not a fan of amaretto, you can substitute it with almond extract (start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste) or even a splash of Vanilla Extract. For a different flavor profile, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of almond extract. It’s really about personal preference! You can also use frozen cherries. Make sure to thaw them first and get rid of the extra liquids or your jam will take ages to thicken.
Baking Tips: Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent the jam from scorching. And be patient! It takes time for the jam to thicken properly. Just keep simmering and stirring, and it will eventually reach the perfect consistency. I always do a cold plate test to see if my jam is ready. It has saved me from a lot of runny batches!
Flavor Boost: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the cherry flavor. I always add it to balance the sweetness of the cherries.
Consistency options: If you want a super smooth jam, you can use an immersion blender to puree the cherries before simmering. However, I prefer the slightly chunky texture of the unblended jam.
Cooking time: Cooking time will depend on the ripeness and juiciness of the cherries, and also on the size of your cooking pot. A smaller pot will mean more depth, resulting in quicker cooking. A wider pot will facilitate evaporation and a slightly shorter cooking time.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping your Cherry Amaretto Jam fresh and delicious!
Room Temperature: If properly sealed, jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, store in the refrigerator.
Refrigerator Storage: Opened jars should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few weeks. Make sure to keep the lid tightly sealed to prevent spoilage.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this jam, as it can alter the texture. However, if you must freeze it, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and leave some headspace. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re using the jam as a glaze, it’s best to apply it during the last few minutes of cooking. This will allow it to caramelize slightly and create a beautiful, glossy finish. If you’re using it as a topping, you can add it at any time. This never lasts more than a week in my fridge because we devour it all so quickly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Amaretto Jam Recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s a little piece of summer in a jar, bursting with sweet cherry flavor and a hint of almond-y goodness. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and makes a wonderful homemade gift. This version is so much better than anything you can buy in the store and once you try it you’ll never want to buy store bought jams again! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other jam recipes for more delicious variations. Happy jamming! And I can’t wait to see your cherry amaretto creations – leave a comment and let me know how it turns out!
Cherry Amaretto Jam Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup sugar
- 0.5 cup amaretto liqueur
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine cherries, sugar, amaretto, and lemon juice in a large saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the jam has thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
