While washing cherries, I’m thinking about the sweet and plump ones I’ll be eating tomorrow, a world away from home. Ruby red and farm fresh cherries picked fresh.
I’m running around all day, doing last minute errands before we leave. There’s so much to get done and such a long journey ahead, yet I’m comforted by cherries. It’s a small respite in my busy day that allows me to imagine the sugary sweet taste and envision my jet lagged kids slurping and spitting cherry pits. While washing cherries I’m also thinking about the fresh peaches, nectarines and oranges we’ll be slicing and juicing throughout our lazy days of vacation.
My mind is wandering from what still needs to get packed — blankets, toys, medicine — to finally being able to enjoy and relax. Seventeen hours of travel and it’s the thought of simple cherry compote that gets me through a hectic day. I’ll soon simmer, chill and enjoy a creamy bowl of Portuguese yogurt, topped with cherry syrup, something I’ve been anticipating all year.
Simple Cherry Compote
Compote is a beautifully simple way to savor fresh summer fruit, especially when enjoyed over a bowl of tart Greek yogurt. This cherry compote is amazingly easy to make and can be stirred up in a matter of minutes. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar adding more if your cherries aren’t that sweet or less if they are sweet enough. You can also add a squeeze or two of lemon juice.
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups cherries, pitted
2 tablespoons sugar
Melt the butter in a small saucepan.
Add the cherries and sugar and cook on a low heat until softened for about ten minutes.
Chill and enjoy with yogurt of ice cream.