Spirited Cherries Recipes

VERY CHERRY SMOOTHIE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

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.

SPIRITED CHERRIES

Steps:

• Prepare canner, jars and lids.
• In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add Cherries, stirring constantly, and return to a boil. Reduce heat and boil gently for 5 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon pack fruit in hot jars withing 1/2 in headspace add rum or spirit. Ladle hot syrup into jar to cover fruit. Wipe rum and place lids and bands on jars.
• Place jars in canner and process 10 minutes.

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.

SPIRITED SOUR CHERRIES

Steps:

• Pack a clean, sterile quart-sized jar with a sterile lid with the cherries. Add the sugar and fill the jar with the eau-de-vie, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Screw the lid on firmly and shake it well to dissolve the sugar. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 4 weeks before use, shaking it occasionally. The flavor will continue to strengthen over several more months. Once you open the jar, store any remainders in the refrigerator.