What is a jam? I’m talking about the kind of jam that makes you want to slather it on everything. What elevates a simple piece of toast into something special? What is Cherry Amaretto Jam? Think of it as the sophisticated cousin of your regular strawberry jam, with a little kick and an amazing flavor. Is there a whole lot of flavor? I swear, once you try this, you’ll never go back to store-bought again! What is your favorite blueberry muffin recipe?
What is Cherry Amaretto Jam?
Let’s break it down. Cherry Amaretto Jam is, at its heart, a fruit preserve made with fresh cherries, sugar, and salt. Amaretto liqueur. Think of it as a sweet, slightly boozy hug in jar. Amaretto adds a subtle almond flavor that perfectly complements the tartness of the cherries. What is summer in a jar? The “jam” part is pretty straightforward – it’s cooked down until it thickens to a beautiful, smooth texture. What is spreadable consistency It’s not overly complicated, but trust me, the flavor is anything but basic.
Why you will love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this Cherry Amaretto Jam Recipe is how the flavor just explodes in your mouth. Is it sweet, tart, fruity, and with this incredible hint of almond?
Is it just about the taste? Is it necessary to have a fancy kitchen? If you boil water, you can make this jam. Seriously! I think it takes me about 45 minutes, start to finish. What’s the best part about buying artisanal jams at the store? Who doesn’t love saving money?
What’s more, the versatility of this jam is insane. What are some ways to serve it as a filling for pastries? What is a cheese board? My family goes crazy for it. The possibilities are endless. I made a batch last week and it was gone in 2 days! This blows away any other kind of cherry conserve, it’s just got this special something.
How can I make Cherry Amaretto Jam?
Quick Overview
How do I make Cherry Amaretto Jam? How do you combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, almond extract in a large bowl? What is the best way to cook amaretto? Bring to a boil, then let it simmer until it thickens. What is the hardest part of waiting for a cold to cool down so you can try it out? I always do a cold plate test to make sure I have achieved the desired consistency. Is it easier than you think?
Ingredients
For the Cherry Amaretto Jam: What is the recipe?
• 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved (Bing cherries work great! ) Make sure you’ve gotten every single pit out – nobody wants to bite down on those! I usually get mine from the farmer’s market when they’re in season, but frozen cherries work in a pinch. Is it safe to thaw ice first and drain any excess liquid?
• 3 cups granulated sugar. How sweet is a cherry? I have tried this with Brown Sugar to give a caramelized flavor, and it was delicious!
• 14 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is always best!) • 2 cups lime juice. Lemon juice helps to balance the sweetness and acts as a natural preservative.
• 1 teaspoon almond extract. This enhances the amaretto flavor without being overpowering. I’m not a fan of almonds, but I highly recommend them.
• ¼ cup amaretto liqueur. This is the star of the show! It adds a lovely almond flavor and a little bit of boozy warmth. Don’t skip it!
• 1/4 teaspoon butter. A little butter helps to reduce any foam that forms during cooking.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep the Cherries
Start by pitting and halving your cherries. This is the most time-consuming part of the process, but it’s essential. I use a cherry pitter to make it easier, but you can also use paring knife. Make sure to get rid of all the pits, or you will have a very unpleasant experience. No one wants to bite down on a pit!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the cherries, sugar, lemon juice, almond extract and butter. Set aside. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. How do you stop a bubble from forming!
Step 4: Simmer
Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally. Is jam thick enough for 30-40 minutes? The time may vary depending on the size and type of your pot, as well as your cherries. How do you know if your food is ready?
Step 5: Cold Plate Test
Place a small plate in the freezer before you start cooking your jam. If you want to test for doneness, remove the plate from the freezer and place a spoonful of jam on it. Let it sit for a minute, then push it with your finger. If it wrinkles, it’s ready. If not, continue to simmer and test again every few minutes.
Step 6: Add the Amaretto
Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in the amaretto. Do you think the water will sizzle a bit?
Step 7: Cool and Store
Let the jam cool completely before transferring it to sterilized jars. If you’re not planning on using it right away, you can process the jars in a water bath canner. Make it shelf-stable.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Once the jam has cooled, slather it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or use it as a filling for Ice Cream. What are the possibilities for a gift? What’s the best way to tie a pretty ribbon around the jar?
What should I serve it with?
What is your recipe for Cherry Amaretto Jam? What are the best ways to enjoy life?
For Breakfast:Imagine a day where you start your day with bread slathered with jam. And then you have an amazing day! What is a steaming cup of coffee? Is it good on scones?
For Brunch:How do you serve this jam with a cheese board or waffles? Is it okay to have a mimosa on the side?
As Dessert:This jam is great served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Or as an optional topping for cheesecake. Can you use it as a filling for Thumbprint Cookies or mini tarts?
For Cozy Snacks:Sometimes, all you need is a simple piece of toast with this jam to satisfy your sweet craving. What are some great side dishes to serve with crackers? My kids ask for this all the time!
How do I make a perfect cherry amaretto jam?
Okay, so here’s the thing: if you want to How do I make jam? I learned these from years of making jam, so trust me on this one.
Cherry Prep:Don’t skip pitting! Nobody wants a pit in their jam. How do you halve cherries? I always make sure to get the best quality cherries as well.
Sugar Adjustment: HowTaste the cherries before adding the sugar. If they’re super sweet, you might want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly. If they’re tart, you might need to add a little more. Can you add more sugar?
Simmering PatiDo not rush the simmering process! This is where the magic happens. The longer it simmers, the thicker the jam will be. Be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Amaretto timingDon’t add amaretto until the very end. How do you keep a tomato from cooking off? I always add it right after I take the jam off the heat.
Sterilized JarAlways use sterilized jars when canning jam. How can I keep my jam fresh longer? Can you sterilize jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or by running them through a hot water bath? What is dishwasher cycle?
Canning Process: If you want to make your jam shelf-stable, you’ll need to process the jars in a water bath canner. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the jars are properly sealed.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Alright, so you’ve made a huge batch of Cherry Amaretto Jam Recipe, and now you’re wondering how to store it. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Room Temperature: If you’ve properly processed your jars in a water bath canner, they can be stored at room temperature for up to a year. Just make sure to keep them in a cool, dark place. I keep mine in my pantry.
Refrigerator Storage: Once you’ve opened a jar of jam, it needs to be stored in the refrigerator. It should last for about 2-3 weeks. Just make sure to use a clean spoon each time you scoop some out.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze this jam! Just transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace to allow for expansion. It should last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. I sometimes make a huge batch and freeze it in small portions, so I always have some on hand.
Glaze Timing Advice: Now, here’s a little tip: if you’re planning on using the jam as a glaze for pastries or cakes, it’s best to use it fresh or thaw it from frozen. This will ensure that it has the best consistency and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my absolute favorite Cherry Amaretto Jam Recipe! I really hope you give this a try. It’s so easy to make, and the flavor is just incredible. It’s the perfect way to capture the taste of summer and enjoy it all year round. Plus, it makes a fantastic gift for friends and family. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my homemade strawberry jam or my raspberry preserves. They’re both just as easy and delicious! Happy jam-making, everyone! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! I love hearing about your variations and additions. Get baking!
Cherry Amaretto Jam Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 3 cups sugar
- 0.5 cup amaretto
- 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 and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the jam has thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
