Homemade Brandied Cherries Food

HOMEMADE BRANDIED CHERRIES

Steps:

• Rinse cherries under cold running water and lay out in a single layer on a clean dish cloth.
• Pat the cherries dry.
• Using a scissor, clip the stem of the cherry while leaving approximately a quarter of the stem intact. (leaving the stem intact ensures a firm and crunchy cherry)
• Fill the jars with the cherries while leaving some head space in the jars.
• Pour the brandy over the cherries, making sure the cherries are completely submerged.
• Put the lids on the jars and refrigerate for 4 weeks before consuming. (If you can resist that long)
• This allows for the cherries to be infused with brandy flavour while the brandy intensifies with the crimson red hue of the cherries.
• Serve as an after dinner digestif

CHERRY BRANDY OLD-FASHIONED

Steps:

• Muddle 8 thawed frozen cherries, 8 dashes each angostura and orange bitters, the juice of 1 orange and 3 tablespoons sugar in a liquid measuring cup. Add 1 cup brandy. Divide among 4 ice-filled glasses; stir and garnish with orange twists.

SPICED BRANDIED CHERRIES

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine sugar and spices with a cup of water. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
• Turn off heat and add cherries and brandy to pot. Let cool, then store mixture in a jar in refrigerator for at least 2 days before eating, and up to several months. These are great over ice cream.

BRANDIED BLACK CHERRIES

Steps:

• Trim the stems of the cherries to within 1" of the fruit. Bring 1 cup sugar and 2 cups water to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Blanch the cherries, a cup at a time, for 2 minutes in the simmering syrup. Remove to a platter with a slotted spoon and cool. Add remaining sugar to the syrup and cook until the sugar is dissolved and the syrup is at the boiling point. Remove from heat and cool. Spoon the cherries into sterilized preserving jars . Add the brandy to the cooled syrup, pour over the cherries and seal. Keep in a cool dry place for 4 months before using.

BRANDIED CHERRIES

Steps:

• In 2-quart saucepan, mix sugar, water and lemon juice. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; simmer 8 to 10 minutes or until mixture slightly reduces and thickens. Remove from heat. Stir in brandy and pitted cherries.
• Transfer cherries and liquid to jar (liquid should cover cherries completely). Cover with lid; seal tightly. Cool completely, about 3 hours.
• Store in refrigerator 4 to 6 weeks before serving.