Cherry Sauce For Ham
A rich, sweet cherry sauce with a hint of port wine and warm spices, perfect for enhancing baked ham. Its vibrant flavor complements savory dishes, making it an ideal choice for festive dinners or special occasions where a fruity, spiced glaze adds elegance and depth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the cherries from the can.
- Combine the cherry juice, port wine, and cornstarch in a saucepan.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and allspice to the mixture.
- Cook and stir until the mixture becomes clear and slightly thickened.
- Add butter and the drained cherries to the sauce.
- Serve the cherry sauce warm over baked ham.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 2 tablespoons. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute port wine with grape juice or a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water for acidity. Experiment with spices; adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the flavor. This cherry sauce also complements dishes like roast duck or chicken, making it a versatile addition to your collection.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cherry sauce warm over baked ham for a delightful contrast of flavors. It pairs beautifully with sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Todd's Favorite Pancakes for breakfast or brunch, or even as a sweet topping for desserts like Easy Lemon Meringue Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cherry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If it thickens too much, you can add a splash of water or additional port wine to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Sauce For Ham contains roughly 159 calories, with 1g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1783mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you will need to pit and cook them down with a bit of water and sugar to achieve a similar consistency and sweetness. Fresh cherries will require longer cooking time to soften and release their juices.
What can I substitute for port wine?
If you don’t have port wine, consider using a fruity red wine, grape juice, or a mix of apple cider vinegar and water for a non-alcoholic option. Each alternative will slightly change the flavor, but they can still yield a delicious sauce.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat to your cherry sauce, you can include a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, as you want to enhance the flavor without overpowering the sweetness of the cherries.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).