Christmas Cherries Recipes

TOWERING CHERRY TRIFLE

Steps:

• For the cherry compote: Tip the cherries into a medium saucepan along with any juices, and bring to a gentle bubbling simmer over medium-high heat, about 2 minutes. Press down using a masher or fork. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and the orange zest. Simmer for about 3 minutes, then turn off the heat and leave to cool, about 10 minutes.
• For the jelly: Put the jelly granules into a liquid measuring cup and top up with boiling water according to the packet's instructions. Stir until the granules dissolve.
• Assembling the trifle: Pour half of the jelly into the bottom of a 2-quart (2-liter) trifle bowl. Scatter in half of the drained and thawed cherries. Leave to one side to set according to the directions of the packet of jelly granules. Set aside the remaining jelly.
• Whip the heavy cream in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until soft peaks form, and set to one side.
• Once the jelly has firmed up, break the pound cake up into rough pieces and scatter half on top of the jelly. Grate over some orange zest and scatter over half of the chocolate pieces.
• Spoon over half of the custard, starting at the edges and working your way into the center to ensure defined layers around the edge of the bowl.
• Next pour over the cherry compote, again starting at the edges.
• Stir the reserved jelly to break it up and spoon it on top of the compote layer.
• Now add the rest of the cake and another grating of orange zest. Scatter over the remaining drained and thawed cherries, sprinkle over some of the remaining chocolate and then pour on the rest of the custard again, starting at the edges. Pile the whipped cream on top. Zest over the remaining orange, scatter the remaining chocolate and finish with the toasted almonds.
• Add the cashew milk, sugar, vanilla extract and turmeric to a large saucepan and slowly heat over medium-low heat. Once hot, pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until thickened. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. Chill in the fridge overnight.

CHRISTMAS CHERRIES

Steps:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the vanilla, egg yolks, lemon zest and juice and orange zest and mix until combined. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the bowl, then mix again. Add the sifted flour and mix until combined. Transfer the dough to a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour.
• When ready to make the cookies, preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Cut about 18 candied cherries in half.
• Roll the dough into small balls and set on the prepared baking sheets. Gently press 1 cherry half cut-side down into each ball. Bake about 20 minutes, removing the cookies from the oven before they brown. Cool on a wire rack.

CHERRY CHRISTMAS SLICES

Steps:

• Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla; beat until fluffy. Add flour; mix well. Stir in cherries and pecans. Chill 1 hour. , Shape dough into three 10-in.-long logs; wrap securely and place in a freezer bag. Freeze until ready to bake, or up to 2 months., To bake, cut frozen logs into 1/8-in. slices, and place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 325° until edges are golden brown, 10-12 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

CHRISTMAS CHERRY PIE

Steps:

• Drain cherries, reserving 2 tablespoons juice (discard remaining juice or save for another use). In a large saucepan, combine sugar and flour. Stir in the pineapple, cherries and reserved juice. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Add gelatin powder; stir until dissolved. Stir in food coloring if desired. Cool until partially set., Stir in bananas and pecans. Pour into the pie shell. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Garnish with whipped topping.

HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS JAM

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, combine cherries, pineapple and raspberries. Stir in the sugar, juices, cinnamon, cloves and butter. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in pectin. Continue to boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. , Remove from heat; skim off foam. Ladle hot mixture into 12 hot sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight. , Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 5 minutes. Remove jars and cool.