Get Cheery with Cherry Preserves

It’s Cherry season in Michigan and the trees are abundant with beautiful little red balls.  Competition is brutal between humans and birds so my friends, Judy and Arch, accepted the challenge and visited the “You Pick” orchard to pick fruit for a pie or two.  They came home with 40 pounds - or maybe it was 60.  A lot of cherries by either count!  Grateful neighbors have been happy to help reduce the overstock.  

I began experimenting with Jam last summer and am eager to expand my flavor base.  So, late one night at the cottage, I began the Cherry Jam edition.  

Warning: Invite small children with small fingers to help with the pitting process or make sure to have a cherry pitter in your kitchen tool drawer!  

I needed four cups of these tiny tart cherries and the process was slow and sticky.  Using the “finger technique” resulted in juice running down my arms, to the table, and eventually the kitchen floor.  Cursing was involved.  Finally locating the low-tech Blossom cherry pitter, I reduced juice flow and increased speed. The rest of the process was easy and the Cheery Cherry Preserves are my favorite jam so far this season.  Guaranteed to make you cheery!

Try spreading some Cheery Cherry Jam on crackers for a quick, delicious snack!