Get ready to elevate your culinary game with these mind-blowing vanilla cardamom bourbon cherries that are about to become your new obsession! Imagine plump, juicy cherries swimming in a luxurious bourbon-infused syrup, kissed with warm cardamom and vanilla – a gourmet treat that's surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to impress everyone from casual home cooks to serious foodies.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the cherries. If they are not already pitted, use a cherry pitter or a small knife to remove the pits from the cherries, taking care to keep the fruit intact.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, bourbon, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cardamom. Stir the mixture gently to ensure the cherries are well-coated with the sugar and spices.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar. Be careful not to let it boil too vigorously, as you want to maintain the integrity of the cherries.
- Once the mixture reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes. During this time, the cherries will soften slightly, and the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- After 10 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the cherries to cool slightly in the syrup. The syrup will thicken as it cools.
- Once cooled, transfer the vanilla cardamom bourbon cherries to a clean jar or serving dish. You can serve them warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
- These cherries can be enjoyed on their own, over ice cream, or as a topping for pancakes and waffles. They also make a delightful addition to cocktails or can be used as a gourmet gift.
Tips
- • Choose ripe, firm cherries for the best texture and flavor • Use a high-quality bourbon for a more complex taste profile • Don't rush the cooking process – gentle simmering is key to preserving cherry integrity • For an extra flavor boost, consider toasting the cardamom briefly before adding • These cherries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks • Experiment with serving them over different desserts like cheesecake, panna cotta, or as a cocktail garnish • For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice or grape juice
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
