SERVING SIZE OF CHERRIES RECIPES

Steps:

• Combine the water, sugar, vanilla bean, and lemon zest in a medium saucepan.
• Place over low heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
• Raise the heat to high and bring the syrup to a boil.
• Stir in the fruit and the lemon juice.
• Cover the fruit with a lid slightly smaller than the diameter of the saucepan.
• This will keep the fruit submerged in the syrup.
• Reduce the heat to low and cook about 8 minutes.
• Allow the fruit to cool in the syrup, still covered, to room temperature.
• Transfer to a serving bowl, cover and chill at least 30 minutes before serving.
• To serve:.
• May be served as is, garnished with whipped cream.
• Or use as a garnish for cakes, filling for crepes or as an ice cream topping.

Steps:

• Inspect 8 half-pint jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water for 10 minutes to sterilize. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
• Fill sterilized jars with cherries up to the "neck" of the jar.
• Pour water into a large pan and bring to a boil. Add sugar and keep boiling until sugar dissolves. Pour hot simple syrup over cherries into the jars up to 1/8-inch from the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any spills. Top with lids and tightly screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 20 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart. Let rest for 24 hours without moving the jars. Gently press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure the lid does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool, dark area.