Tart Cherry Season is now - enjoy Cherry Compote!

Tart cherries are in season here in Wisconsin and if you need a quick way to process the tasty morsels, stop in at Panacea for our zyliss cherry pitter.  Many customers can attest to the ease and time saving qualities of this device.  Just plunk the cherries in the holding chamber and in one easy squeeze you have fresh cherry fruit separated from the pit.  Even if German tradition holds that finding a cherry pit in your dessert is good luck, your guests will be happier with your cherry dishes if they don't bite into a random pit.  This handy tool eliminates all worries about any strays and it makes your kitchen work a simple task. 

Tart cherries are high in Vitamin C and iron.  They are also becoming highly prized for their anti-inflammatory benefits which help reduce pain from gout and arthritis.  A good source of antioxidants and phytonutrients, tart cherries are tasty eaten out of hand but often too tart for many palates.  Take advantage of a simple recipe that will allow you to enjoy the healthful benefits of tart cherries while controlling your calories.

Tart Cherry Compote

Pit as many cherries as you are lucky to enjoy.  For every cup of cherry fruit and juice combined, stir in two teaspoons of cornstarch until well dissolved.  Add about 1/8 cup of sugar, more or less according to taste.  This is where your personal health tastes dictate:  adjust sugar and substitute honey or Stevia as desired.  Wait until the cooking process is almost complete to finalize sweetener amounts.

Place fruit, juices and sweetener in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring along the way.  Boil until thick and bubbly, about 3 minutes after boiling begins, and adjust for taste.  Cool and store in fridge up to a week or freeze for six months. 

This compote is delicious on its own, spooned over ice cream or enjoyed on your morning waffles and pancakes.  Don't forget to pour it over hot oatmeal or on top of crumbled cookies with a little blob of vanilla yogurt for a delicious, quick and elegant dessert.  Have fun in the kitchen!