Cherry Sauce
A vibrant cherry sauce with hints of pineapple, cinnamon, and cloves, perfect for elevating ham dishes. Its sweet-tangy flavor profile makes it a delightful accompaniment for both hot and cold meats, offering a blend of fruity and aromatic notes that appeal to a wide range of palates.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain juice from cherries and pineapple and combine to make 3/4 cup of liquid.
- Mix sugar, vinegar, and 1/2 cup of the combined fruit juices in a saucepan; add cloves and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes over low heat.
- Mix flour with the remaining fruit juices and blend into the hot syrup.
- Stir constantly and cook until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Add cherries, pineapple, and lemon juice; heat until hot.
- Serve the sauce hot with ham, hot or cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more complex flavor, consider adding a dash of nutmeg or allspice along with the cloves. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar slightly or use honey as a substitute. For a thicker consistency, you can use cornstarch instead of flour, mixing it with cold water before adding it to the hot syrup. This Cherry Sauce pairs beautifully with ham and is a delightful addition to American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cherry Sauce hot over ham, either sliced or as a glaze. It also complements roasted pork and turkey beautifully. For a refreshing side, consider pairing it with Mom'S Fruit Salad, which adds a nice contrast to the savory main dish. You can also use it as a topping for desserts like vanilla ice cream or pancakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cherry Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much while cooling, you can add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Sauce contains roughly 1780 calories, with 23g protein, 245g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (123% of the Daily Value), iron (84% of the Daily Value), and calcium (81% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1152mg per serving (50% 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, fresh cherries can be used in place of canned sour pitted cherries. Make sure to pit and slice them before using. You may need to adjust the sugar content based on the sweetness of the fresh cherries. Additionally, cooking time may vary slightly as fresh cherries may take longer to soften.
How can I make this sauce less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the Cherry Sauce, consider decreasing the amount of sugar or substituting it with a sugar alternative like stevia or agave syrup. You can also add a splash more of cider vinegar to enhance the tartness, balancing the flavors without losing the essence of the sauce.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this Cherry Sauce is suitable for vegan diets as it contains no animal products. All the ingredients are plant-based. It's a great option for those looking for vegan recipes, adding a delicious sweet-tart flavor to various dishes without compromising dietary preferences.
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).