Cherry Jam with Mon Chérie: The Perfect Holiday Gift

The holiday season is approaching, bringing with it the spirit of celebration, unity, and, of course, lots of delicious food. For those who love to surprise friends and family with homemade gifts, we have an irresistible suggestion: Cherry Jam with Mon Chérie. This recipe, which combines the unmistakable flavor of cherry liqueur with the creamy touch of Nutella and the sophistication of Mon Chérie chocolate, is simply irresistible. Inspired by a traditional German recipe from the blog "Comida com Coração" and adapted for even more flavor, this jam will win hearts.

Ingredients

• 500g fresh or frozen cherries
• 200g sugar
• 1 lemon (juice)
• 100g Nutella
• 10 Mon Chérie chocolates
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Cherries

1. Wash and Prepare: If using fresh cherries, wash them well and remove the pits. If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely before starting.
2. Cook: Place the cherries in a saucepan with the sugar and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the cherries begin to release their juice and the sugar is completely dissolved. This process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker jam, dissolve the cornstarch in a little cold water and add it to the cherry mixture, stirring well until it thickens.

Step 2: Incorporating Nutella and Mon Chérie

1. Add Nutella: Once the cherry mixture is at the desired consistency, add the Nutella and stir until completely incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy mixture.
2. Add Mon Chérie: Chop the Mon Chérie chocolates into small pieces and add to the mixture, stirring gently so that the pieces of chocolate and liqueur are distributed throughout the jam.

Step 3: Finishing Touches

1. Adjust Flavors: Taste the jam and, if desired, add the vanilla essence to enhance the flavors even more.
2. Cool and Store: Allow the jam to cool completely before transferring it to sterilized glass jars. Seal the jars well and store in a cool, dry place. If preferred, it can be refrigerated for longer shelf life.

Presentation Tips

Since it's Christmas time, putting some extra effort into the presentation makes all the difference. Here are some suggestions:

• Decorated Jars: Use glass jars with airtight lids and decorate with Christmas ribbons, personalized labels, and small Christmas ornaments.
• Gift Baskets: Create baskets with other Christmas items such as homemade cookies, small ornaments, and scented candles along with the cherry jam with Mon Chérie.
• Personalized Tags: Write a holiday message on personalized tags to tie on the jars, adding a special and personal touch to your gift.

Final Considerations

Making your own cherry jam with Mon Chérie is a delicious way to show care and appreciation for loved ones during Christmas. The combination of the intense flavor of cherries, the creaminess of Nutella, and the special touch of Mon Chérie chocolates creates a unique dessert that will surely delight everyone.

Whether for gifting or serving at your Christmas celebrations, this jam promises to be a true hit. Enjoy the recipe and make your Christmas even sweeter and more special!

Happy holidays and bon appétit!