Sour Cherry Lemonade Concentrate #Recipe

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This recipe for Sour Cherry Lemonade Concentrate is taken from page 96, under Syrups. Recipe courtesy of Preservation Society Home Preserves by Camilla Wynne, 2015 © www.robertrose.ca Reprinted with publisher permission. Available where books are sold.

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Sour Cherry Lemonade Concentrate

Makes about three jars (1 pint/500 ML each)

THIS SYRUP IS A BOON TO HAVE ON HAND in the pantry on a hot summer’s day. If you’re on your own, add a few tablespoons to a glass of ice water, then refrigerate the rest for the next time you get thirsty. If you’re serving a crowd, pour the whole jar into a big pitcher and dilute to taste. For a grownups-only party, add gin or vodka for a very easy, very drinkable cocktail.

Ingredients

• 1 lb pitted sour cherries 450 g
• 3 cups granulated sugar 600 g
• Pinch salt
• Grated zest of 5 lemons, divided
• 2 cups water 500 mL
• 11⁄2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice 375 mL

Instructions

Prepare the jars and lids.

In a large pot, combine the cherries, sugar, salt, zest of 3 lemons and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes to coerce the cherries into letting all their juice flow.

Pour the cherry mixture into a fine-mesh sieve set over a deep container. Push down against the cherries to extract as much liquid as possible. Stir the remaining lemon zest and the lemon juice into the syrup.

Pour syrup into the hot jars to within 1⁄2 inch (1 cm) of the rim. Wipe rims. Place the lids on the jars and screw the bands on until fingertip-tight. Process in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes.

Tips

If you don’t have a kitchen scale, you’ll need 3 cups (750 mL) pitted sour cherries for this recipe.

For 11⁄2 cups (375 mL) lemon juice, you’ll need 8 or 9 lemons.

If you’re looking for more thirst quenchers like this be sure to check out Preservation Society Home Preserves: 100 Modern Recipes on Amazon. You can find my review, tips for getting started with home preserves, and a recipe for pina colada jam here.