Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (300 g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare cherries by rinsing, pitting, and halving if fresh.
  2. Combine cherries, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
  4. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the syrup thickens and cherries soften.
  5. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing to extract maximum liquid.
  6. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract if using.
  7. Allow the syrup to cool before pouring into an airtight container for storage.