This clever way to cook cherries is genius – it transforms this seasonal fruit into a sticky, fragrant treat

These thyme roasted cherries are so versatile and moreish. They are one of our favorite cherry recipes and can be used as a pie filling, a topping for yogurt or granola, an accompaniment to crème brûlée or panna cotta, or even as a flavoring for ice cream.

Ingredients (serves 6-8 as an accompaniment)

• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

The Homes & Gardens method

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a mixing bowl (opt for a stainless steel one, like these KitchenAid mixing bowls from Amazon as they won't stain with the cherry juice), combine the brown sugar and cornstarch, pressing them together with the back of a spoon to break up any lumps. Add the cherries and thyme, stirring until evenly coated.
• Spread the mixture in a roasting pan or baking dish (like this Caraway non-stick ceramic baking sheet from Amazon). Roast for 35–40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the cherries are sticky and slightly caramelized.
• Serve warm or cooled. Covered and refrigerated, the roasted cherries will keep for up to 1 week.

If you love cherries, try this fruity cherry and peach salsa, which will enliven everything from fish to grilled meat dishes.