Cherry Syrup Recipe - WonkyWonderful (2024)

FAQs

Cherry Syrup Recipe - WonkyWonderful? ›

Using Cornstarch

In a small bowl, combine equal amounts of cornstarch and warm water, starting with 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of each. Mix them together with a spoon until they form a gritty paste. Cornstarch is a thickening agent that won't change the flavor of your syrup.

Using Cornstarch

In a small bowl, combine equal amounts of cornstarch and warm water, starting with 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of each. Mix them together with a spoon until they form a gritty paste. Cornstarch is a thickening agent that won't change the flavor of your syrup.

Traditional simple syrup is made from one part water to one part sugar (1:1). White granulated sugar is the standard sweetener, but once you've mastered that basic base, feel free to experiment with different sugars, while being sure to keep the ratio the same.

Ingredients to make cherry simple syrup:

All you need is three simple ingredients; fresh cherries, filtered water, and granulated sugar!

Remember – the longer you boil it, the thicker the syrup will be when cooled. To test if the sugar is completely dissolved: Using spoon, scoop up a small amount of the syrup. You should not be able to see any sugars crystals in the liquid. If you do, boil a little longer.

One warning when cooking with a cornstarch slurry is to avoid adding too much, particularly when using it with baked goods. Chattman says that overuse of cornstarch can lend a starchy flavor to a dish. It's also important to note that there are some dishes that may not thicken when mixed with cornstarch.

Arrowroot Powder

If you happen to have this starch on hand, you're in luck: It has the same thickening power as cornstarch, and it creates a beautiful, shiny sauce.

It's also one of the easiest ingredients to make yourself—if you can boil water, you can make simple syrup. At its most basic, simple syrup is a 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar dissolved in an equal volume of water.

Common white table sugar, aka superfine sugar, is best for traditional simple syrup because it dissolves quickly and is neutral tasting. Simple syrup should only supply clean sweetness, not flavor. I'd avoid using powdered sugar. It contains 3% cornstarch will make the syrup slightly cloudy.

Boost cherry recipes with almond extract – often made using cherry pits, it enhances the natural flavour of the fruit.

What are cherries in syrup called? ›

Since 1940, "maraschino cherries" have been defined as "cherries which have been dyed red, infused with sugar, and packed in a sugar syrup flavored with oil of bitter almonds or a similar flavor."

Contrary to popular belief, grenadine is not a cherry-flavored syrup. Maraschino cherries have nothing to do with it. This sweet-tart syrup is actually made from pomegranates, and it is surprisingly easy to make at home. Think of grenadine the way you might consider simple syrup and sour mix.

Any sugar crystals remaining in the syrup can cause others to crystallize. Adding a little corn syrup or an acid such as citrus juice will help to prevent this.

If your maple syrup container is starting to look like Superman's Crystal Cave, then the sugar content of the syrup is too high and crystals are slowly forming. The crystals aren't bad, so don't worry. They are actually delicious if you can get them out of the container. Hot water can help with that.

In professional maple syrup production, the maple syrup maker will boil anywhere from about five gallons to 13 gallons of sap down to about a quart of maple syrup. When the syrup reaches 7 degrees Fahrenheit over the boiling point of water (212 degrees F), or 219 degrees F, the syrup should be done.

For example, if you start with 2 cups granulated sugar, you'll end up with 4 cups confectioner's sugar. Add the granulated sugar and cornstarch to a powerful blender or food processor, and blend for 30 seconds, until the sugar is white and fluffy.

For each cup of liquid, you want to thicken, start with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a small bowl. Add an equal amount of cold liquid and stir until smooth paste forms. This is your slurry. Whisk the slurry into the hot, simmering liquid that you want to thicken.

Here's a broad breakdown: Cornstarch is flavorless and odorless, and is used mostly to alter the texture of foods. It's almost pure starch. Corn flour is a fine, ground powder made from dried whole corn kernels.

Cornstarch has twice the thickening power of flour. When a gravy, sauce, soup or stew recipe calls for flour, use half as much cornstarch to thicken. To thicken hot liquids, first mix cornstarch with a little cold water until smooth. Gradually stir into hot liquid until blended.