Poached Cherries

Instructions

1. Combine the water, sugar, vanilla bean, and lemon zest in a medium saucepan.
2. Place over low heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Raise the heat to high and bring the syrup to a boil.
4. Stir in the fruit and the lemon juice.
5. Cover the fruit with a lid slightly smaller than the diameter of the saucepan.
6. This will keep the fruit submerged in the syrup.
7. Reduce the heat to low and cook about 8 minutes.
8. Allow the fruit to cool in the syrup, still covered, to room temperature.
9. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover and chill at least 30 minutes before serving.
10. To serve:
11. May be served as is, garnished with whipped cream.
12. Or use as a garnish for cakes, filling for crepes or as an ice cream topping.