Ingredients:

  • 1 lb fresh sweet or tart cherries, pitted
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme
  • 2 oz unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Rinse cherries in cold water and pat them completely dry.
  2. Remove pits using a pitter or a straw, leaving the cherries whole.
  3. In a bowl, combine cherries, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper; toss gently to coat.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  5. Arrange the cherries in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 15–20 minutes until cherries collapse and the liquid thickens into a glossy syrup.
  7. Remove from oven and stir in cold cubed butter and lemon juice until a velvety emulsion forms.