Cherry Strawberry Delight Preserves
Transform overripe or fresh fruits into a luscious Cherry Strawberry Delight Preserves using your bread machine. This easy-to-make recipe yields vibrant and flavorful preserves that are perfect not only for spreading on your favorite bread but also as a topping for plain Greek yogurt or desserts. With a balanced sweetness, you'll enjoy the natural taste of cherries and strawberries, making it a delightful addition to your pantry. Ideal for preserving seasonal fruits, this recipe allows you to capture their freshness and enjoy them throughout the year.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
sweet cherries
1 1/2 cups (pitted and halved)
strawberries
1 1/2 cups (stemmed and chopped)
white sugar
1 cup (granulated)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the sweet cherries and strawberries to remove any dirt or pesticides.
2
Remove the stems from the strawberries and chop them into large chunks for easier crushing.
3
Pit the cherries, then slice them into halves to prepare for the mash.
4
In a mixing bowl, crush the combined fruit until you have about 2 cups of fruit pulp.
5
Transfer the crushed fruit into the bread maker. Add the white sugar and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
6
Set your bread machine to the JAM CYCLE and start the process.
7
Once the jam cycle is complete, carefully pour the hot preserves into a sterilized glass container, ensuring it's tightly sealed.
8
Allow the preserves to cool at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator. The jam will thicken as it cools, enhancing its delightful texture.
9
Store the preserves in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few weeks.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cherry Strawberry Delight Preserves?
It is a luscious, vibrant fruit spread made from a combination of sweet cherries and strawberries, specifically designed to be made in a bread machine.
Can I make this recipe in a bread machine?
Yes, this recipe is specifically optimized for the 'JAM' cycle of a bread machine for an easy, hands-off process.
What fruits are required for these preserves?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of sweet cherries and 1 1/2 cups of strawberries.
How much fruit pulp should I have before starting?
After crushing the fruit, you should have approximately 2 cups of fruit pulp.
Do I need to pit the cherries?
Yes, the cherries should be pitted and sliced into halves before mashing.
How should I prepare the strawberries?
Strawberries should be washed, stemmed, and chopped into large chunks.
What type of sugar is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of granulated white sugar.
Why is lemon juice added to the preserves?
One tablespoon of lemon juice is added to help balance the sweetness and assist with the preservation process.
Can I use overripe fruit?
Yes, this recipe is ideal for transforming overripe fruits into delicious preserves.
Which bread machine setting should I use?
You should use the 'JAM CYCLE' setting on your bread machine.
How do I store the finished preserves?
Store the preserves in a tightly sealed, sterilized glass container inside the refrigerator.
How long do the preserves last?
Homemade preserves should be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed within a few weeks.
Will the jam thicken as it cools?
Yes, the jam will naturally thicken as it cools to room temperature, enhancing its texture.
Is it necessary to wash the fruit?
Yes, thoroughly wash the cherries and strawberries to remove any dirt or pesticides before preparation.
What can I serve these preserves with?
They are perfect for spreading on bread, topping plain Greek yogurt, or drizzling over desserts.
Do I need to stir the ingredients in the bread maker?
Yes, stir the fruit pulp, sugar, and lemon juice together in the bread maker before starting the cycle.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: sweet cherries, strawberries, white sugar, and lemon juice.
Should the glass container be sterilized?
Yes, it is recommended to pour the hot preserves into a sterilized glass container for safe storage.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh is recommended, you can use bottled lemon juice if fresh is unavailable.
Is this a high-protein food?
No, this is considered a low-protein food item as it is primarily fruit and sugar.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is thoroughly washing the sweet cherries and strawberries.
How do I prepare the cherries for the mash?
Pit the cherries and slice them into halves.
How do I create the fruit pulp?
Crush the combined fruit in a mixing bowl until you reach the desired consistency and volume.
Is this recipe suitable for preserving seasonal fruits?
Yes, it is a great way to capture the freshness of seasonal fruits to enjoy throughout the year.
Can I cool the jam in the fridge immediately?
It is best to allow the preserves to cool at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator.
What is the texture of the finished product?
The result is a flavorful, thick preserve with a delightful texture from the crushed fruit.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
Are the cherries sweet or sour?
The recipe specifically calls for sweet cherries.
Is the sugar amount adjustable?
This recipe uses 1 cup of sugar; altering it may affect the set and preservation of the jam.
Is this preserve vegan-friendly?
Yes, the ingredients—fruit, sugar, and lemon juice—are vegan-friendly.