Cherry Ketchup

Directions

1. 1
   In a saucepan, combine the cherries with 1/2 cup water.
2. 2
   Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat and cook until the cherries soften, 8 to 10 minutes.
3. 3
   Let cool slightly, then pass the cooked cherries and their liquid through a food mill, or press them through a colander, to make a chunky juice.
4. 4
   In a clean saucepan, combine the juice with the spices and salt.
5. 5
   Simmer over low heat until reduced by half, about 15 minutes, stirring often.
6. 6
   Add 1/4 cup vinegar and keep cooking until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
7. 7
   Remove a bit of the ketchup, let cool and taste.
8. 8
   Adjust salt, spices and vinegar until the flavor is sweet, spicy and tart.
9. 9
   The ketchup will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.