Poached Cherries

Directions

1. 1
   Combine the water, sugar, vanilla bean, and lemon zest in a medium saucepan.
2. 2
   Place over low heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. 3
   Raise the heat to high and bring the syrup to a boil.
4. 4
   Stir in the fruit and the lemon juice.
5. 5
   Cover the fruit with a lid slightly smaller than the diameter of the saucepan.
6. 6
   This will keep the fruit submerged in the syrup.
7. 7
   Reduce the heat to low and cook about 8 minutes.
8. 8
   Allow the fruit to cool in the syrup, still covered, to room temperature.
9. 9
   Transfer to a serving bowl, cover and chill at least 30 minutes before serving.
10. 10
    To serve:
11. 11
    May be served as is, garnished with whipped cream.
12. 12
    Or use as a garnish for cakes, filling for crepes or as an ice cream topping.