Cherried Brandy

This one obviously isn't a family-friendly recipe for our preschooler.

Cherried Brandy

2 pounds cherries.
2 Cups brandy
1 Cup sugar
1 Cup water

Day 1:
Start with about 2 pounds of cherries (with stem).
Cut 1/2 the stem off each.
Soak the cherries overnight in 2 Cups brandy.

Day 2:
Boil 1 Cup sugar and 1 Cup water for 10 minutes.
Skim. Cool.
Add the brandy to the syrup and mix.
Pour back over the cherries.
Use clean jars and lids to jar up.
Tuck away in the pantry or root cellar and wait for winter.


About jarring and volume: This recipe produced 3 pints for us. Start with four clean pint jars with the possibility that you may need only three. Try to divide the cherries and brandy roughly equally between the jars. Some head room is fine.


How long to wait: 
If you check after a month, the brandy will soften and take on cherry taste. If you wait 3 months it will be drinkable. Wait six months and it's even smoother and better.

Make it in the summer when you have access to good cherries. Save it for winter. Wait until the kids are in bed to pair with biscuits like these Orange Mint Biscuits. Or incorporate a splash into whipped cream to top dark chocolate desserts.