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Cherry–Ancho Chili Sweet Jam

This Cherry–Ancho Chili Sweet Jam blends the bright sweetness of cherries with the smoky, mild heat of ancho chili for a fast, easy, and giftable homemade jam that's perfect for toast, cheese boards, and more.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Condiment, Spread
Cuisine: American
Calories: 90
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cherry–Ancho Chili Sweet Jam
  • 3 cups fresh or frozen cherries pitted and chopped
  • 0.75 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup honey preferred for extra flavor
  • 1 piece dried ancho chili seeded and finely chopped or ground
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 0.5 tsp lemon zest
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract optional

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Immersion Blender (optional)
  • Clean Jars

Method
 

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, honey or maple syrup, chopped ancho chili, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Stir well.
  2. Step 2: Place the pan over medium heat and stir frequently until sugar dissolves and cherries release their juices, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often to prevent sticking and burning, until thickened and cherries soften, about 20–25 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Adjust texture by mashing cherries for chunkier jam or pulsing a few times with an immersion blender for smoother consistency.
  5. Step 5: Stir in vanilla extract if using. Remove from heat.
  6. Step 6: Let jam cool completely, then transfer to clean jars and refrigerate. Store up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Use ripe fresh or frozen cherries for best flavor. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Test jam consistency by placing a spoonful on a cold plate. Customize with cinnamon stick, bourbon, or fresh herbs. Great on toast, cheese boards, yogurt, or as a glaze for meats.