Are you a lover of beautiful things and delicious baked goods? Then you've come to the right place! This isn't just a recipe; it's a project that combines the charming aesthetic of Rifle Paper Co. with the irresistible taste of homemade cherry pie filling. Imagine your kitchen counter adorned with a beautiful binder, filled with your favorite recipes, and the star of the show: a perfectly sweet and tart cherry filling ready to be used in pies, crumbles, or even just enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream. This is more than just a recipe; it's a delightful addition to your homemade cooking collection. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for the Delicious Cherry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (if using frozen, thaw and drain well)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cherry Perfection:
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Prepare the Cherries: If using fresh cherries, pit them carefully. If using frozen, thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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Cook the Filling: Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the filling has thickened and the cherries have softened. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
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Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the filling cool completely. Once cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This is perfect for meal prepping for quick and easy dessert additions throughout the week!
Tips for the Best Cherry Filling:
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
- Thicken It Up: For an even thicker filling, increase the cornstarch to 1/3 cup.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with other spices, like allspice or cardamom, for a unique flavor profile.
Variations on a Classic:
- Cherry Almond Filling: Add 1/4 cup of slivered almonds to the filling during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Cherry Chocolate Filling: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped semi-sweet chocolate chips after removing from heat. Let it melt into the mixture for a delightful twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 1g
This recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Perfect for those quick dinner ideas, or as a star ingredient for your homemade cooking projects. This cherry recipe is a delightful addition to any home baker's collection of best recipes. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Remember to showcase your delicious cherry creation in your Rifle Paper Co. inspired recipe binder!