Do you crave fresh, juicy fruits in the winter – when the stores have the least availability, and the flavor is incredibly lacking? If you love cooking and serving jams and jellies, this Bourbon Cherry compote will warm your soul. Enter the versatile and heartwarming cherry compote, made conveniently from frozen cherries. This simple recipe offers a burst of flavor and color, making it the perfect addition to your winter table.
Bourbon and Cherries – Natural Companions
Cherries pair exceptionally well with bourbon. The natural sweetness and slight tartness complement the rich, warm bourbon notes. This combination is popular in various cocktails and culinary creations. You might use cherries as a garnish with your favorite cocktail. Or maybe you even muddle them to add a hint of sweet flavor.
Bourbon can be used in cooking to macerate cherries or included in sauces and desserts featuring cherries. The pairing is classic! It’s especially wonderful because of its balance of flavors. No matter how you pair them with the fruity flavor of cherries, it enhances the bourbon’s depth and complexity.
Cherry Bourbon Compote Recipe
You’ll love this Cherry Bourbon Compote, a perfect blend of sweet cherries and bourbon’s deep, caramel-like flavor!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of sweet frozen cherries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (you may adjust according to taste)
- Three tablespoons bourbon
- Two tablespoons of lemon juice
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- A dash of vanilla extract
- Optional: A pinch of salt to enhance flavors
Equipment:
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Storage jars
Instructions:
- Grab a medium saucepan. Combine the 4 cups of frozen cherries and sugar. Mix them together.
- Add the lemon juice and bourbon to the saucepan. Also, add cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir the mixture frequently – the sugars cause it to want to stick. Be careful to keep under the cherries loosed, as well as around the edge of you pan – but don’t bruise or smash the fruits. Bring the cherries to a gentle boil over medium heat. Ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
- After the cherries boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. The cherries will soften and continue releasing their juices.
- Let it simmer for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. It will look loose at first. But the compote will continue to thicken as it cools. It will finish with a loose syrup-y finish and whole cherries.
- Remove the Bourbon Cherry Compte from the heat and allow it to cool with the lid off of the pan. The compote will thicken further upon cooling.
Serving Suggestions:
- This Cherry Bourbon Compote is versatile and can be served with various dishes. It’s excellent on pancakes, waffles, French vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or as a topping for cheesecakes.
- It also pairs wonderfully with savory dishes such as grilled meats or as a glaze for roast pork or chicken.
Storage:
- Store the compote in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- It can be frozen for longer storage, following standard, safe food storage procedures.
Note:
- Adjust the amount of bourbon based on your preference. The alcohol will cook off throughout the slow simmering process. It will leave in its wake a rich bourbon flavor without the alcohol content.
Variations and Customizations
Feel free to experiment with this basic recipe. Add other frozen fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry compote.
Need to go sugar-free? Replace the granulated sugar with a sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a sugar-free version.
Here’s a printable version of the recipe:
Bourbon Cherry Compote
Yield:
3 jars
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Additional Time:
1 minute
Total Time:
36 minutes
You'll love this Cherry Bourbon Compote, a perfect blend of sweet cherries and bourbon's deep, caramel-like flavor!
Ingredients
- 4 cups of sweet frozen cherries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (you may adjust according to taste)
- Three tablespoons bourbon
- Two tablespoons of lemon juice
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- A dash of vanilla extract
- Optional: A pinch of salt to enhance flavors
Instructions
- Grab a medium saucepan. Combine the 4 cups of frozen cherries and sugar. Mix them together.
- Add the lemon juice and bourbon to the saucepan. Also, add cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir the mixture frequently – the sugars cause it to want to stick. Be careful to keep under the cherries loosed, as well as around the edge of your pan – but don\’t bruise or smash the fruits. Bring the cherries to a gentle boil over medium heat. Ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
- After the cherries boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. The cherries will soften and continue releasing their juices.
- Let it simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. It will look loose at first. But the compote will continue to thicken as it cools. It will finish with a loose syrup-y finish and whole cherries.
- Remove the Bourbon Cherry Compte from the heat and allow it to cool with the lid off of the pan. The compote will thicken further upon cooling.
Nutrition Information
Yield 20
Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving
Calories 34Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 7mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 1gSugar 8gProtein 0g
All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on diyhomegarden.blog should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. The nutritional labels are a product of online calculator apps. Even though I try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of my ability, these figures should still be considered estimates. If you believe you have a medical condition, food allergies, or other concerns, please consult a doctor.
Bourbon Cherry Compote – Tips
This cherry compote is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm over pancakes or waffles for a delightful breakfast, spoon it over ice cream or yogurt, or use it as a topping for cheesecakes and other desserts. It also pairs beautifully with savory dishes like roast pork or grilled chicken.
Safe Storage of Bourbon Cherry Compote
Store the compote in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can put these in freezer jam containers and cap them tightly for longer storage. Date the container and keep it for six months.
Additional Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Always taste as you go and adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the particular cherries.
- Don’t overcook the compote; it should be thick but not too sticky or dry.
- Remember, the compote will thicken as it cools. Do not worry if it seems a bit runny when hot.
The Takeaway: Bourbon Cherry Compote Is a Culinary Treasure
This cherry compote recipe is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of winter cooking. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the essence of cherries even when fresh fruits are not in season. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this compote will add color and flavor to your winter meals.
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