Nash Holos recipe: Cherry Cha-Cha

Fresh sour (Morello) cherries are definitely a Ukrainian favourite, and can be found in many orchards throughout Ukraine.

Sour cherries make the most wonderful wine, jellies, jams and pies... and of course, pyrohy!

If you can’t get your hands on the fresh ones, dried sour cherries are readily available in most supermarkets. As well, cans and jars of sour cherries imported from Eastern Europe can be found in many specialty shops and delis.

So, you have no excuse not to do the cherry cha-cha!

To make Judy’s wonderful Cherry Cha Cha you will need:

¾ cups of fresh sour cherries or dried cherries
¾ cups of blueberries
1 ½ cups of water
½ cup of sugar or to taste
1/8 cup of almond extract

Simmer the fruit with water and sugar in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until fruit is softened and the liquid is a little syrupy … about 15 minutes.

Remove from stove and add the almond extract.

Cool and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Makes 3 cups.

Serve cherry cha-cha over ice cream, vanilla pound cake or drizzle over angel food cake. If you’re feeling exotic, in place of almond extract add one eighth of a cup of Cherry Liquor.

Смачного!