Gliko Kerasi (Cherries in Syrup) is a traditional Cypriot recipe for a classic preserve of cherries in a lemon-flavoured syrup that's matured in glass jars before serving. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Cypriot version of: Cherries in Syrup (Gliko Kerasi).
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Cypriot gliko (preserves of fruit or even sweet vegetables in syrup) are an island institution. Every home makes their own, and they are typically the first thing offered to a guest in the home, typically accompanied by a glass of wine.
Ingredients:
1kg cherries (these need to be ripe but still hard)
1kg sugar
375ml water
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tbsp vanilla powder
Method:
Wash the cherries and drain then remove the stalks and remove the pits.
Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan and heat gently, stirring, until the sugar melts. Add the cherries and bring to a boil. Continue boiling the mixture for 30 minutes, or until the syrup thickens.
During the cooking skim off all the scum from the surface as it rises. Five minutes before you are due to take off the heat stir in the lemon juice and ground vanilla.
Test the syrup for setting by taking a teaspoon and adding a drop to a glass of water. The syrup is ready when it reaches the bottom of the glass without dissolving.
Allow to cool then spoon into cleaned and sterilized jars. Secure the lids on the jars and keep in a cool, dark cupboard out of the sun.
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