Melanie's Cherry Compote

• 1 lb fresh red cherries
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• 2 Tbs fresh lemon juice
• 1 pinch sea salt
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tsp cornstarch

Combine sugar, ½ cup water, lemon juice, and salt in a 3-quart pot over medium heat. Continue to cook until sugar is completely dissolved.

Add cherries and continue to heat until lightly boiling (approximately 6-7 minutes).

Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to cook for 5 minutes while stirring frequently.

Stir together ¼ cup water and cornstarch. Add to syrup and continue cooking while stirring frequently until desired consistency is achieved (approximately 10 to 12 minutes)*.

Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.

Recipe yields 2½ cups.

*Note: Syrup will thicken slightly when cooled. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the ripeness of the cherries.