Description
Enjoy this rich, jewel-toned cherry compote made from Chelan Ranch Organics freeze-dried cherries. It’s tart-sweet, syrupy, and perfect for topping Organic Emmer pancakes from Bluebird Grain Farms, cheesecake, yogurt, or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Chelan Ranch Organics freeze-dried cherries (1 pouch of Chelan Ranch Organics Cherries)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cherry juice, apple juice, or red wine (optional, enhances flavor and color)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup, honey, or sugar (start with 2 and adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional – a pinch complements cherries but don’t overpower them)
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional but lovely — highlights cherry flavor)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, adds richness and shine)
Instructions
1. Rehydrate the Cherries
In a small saucepan, combine freeze-dried cherries with water and juice (if using).
Let sit for about 5 minutes to soften.
2. Cook the Compote
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in maple syrup (or your chosen sweetener), cinnamon (if using), and butter (if using).
Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries plump up and the liquid thickens slightly.
3. Finish
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and almond extract.
If the compote looks too thick, add a splash more water.
4. Serve Warm
Spoon over pancakes, waffles, yogurt, cheesecake, or even pork tenderloin for a savory contrast.
Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Add a splash of red wine or port for a luxurious depth.
- For a jam-like texture, mash a few cherries with the back of your spoon as it simmers.
- Make it festive: Add orange zest and a drop of balsamic vinegar to accentuate the cherry’s brightness.
- Serve it chilled as a topping for panna cotta or mixed into sparkling water for a cherry spritzer.
- Thickened sauce dissolve 1 teaspoon corn starch in the 1 cup of water before adding the freeze dried cherries .