As everyone already knows, I am a fan of a well made cocktail. I won't turn away a Manhattan made with a store bought (red dye #5) cherry but why not make it better and use a homemade maraschino cherry? Since cherries are in season right now I decided to try my hand at making maraschino cherries and brandied cherries.
For the maraschino I simply brought a bottle of Luxardo maraschino to a simmer and poured it over sour cherries (I wanted to leave the stems attached so I didn't pit them, we'll see if I regret it later). For the brandied cherries, I brought 3 cups of Armagnac and 1 1/2 cup sugar to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolved. I divided the cherries, half with a vanilla bean half without, and poured the warm liquid over them. Cooled them to room temp and into the fridge they went. Check back in a few weeks for an update on my little experiment. If they turn out well I will include a few recipes.
1 Sour and sweet cherries
2 Cherry pitting outfit
3 Pitting sweet cherries
4 Sweet Cherries in jars. Ready for the booze.
5 Sour cherries with Luxardo maraschino
6 Finished cherries
From: Margaret C. | 7/13/10 at 4:33 pm
These are fantastic photos.
From: ryepye | 7/19/10 at 4:55 pm
This is interesting and I look forward to recipes. Will these be too potent for kids to enjoy on the top of a sundae?
From: rsp2538 | 7/23/10 at 7:00 am
cool
From: outoftownlocal | 7/30/10 at 2:27 pm
I make my cherries by 1st making a simple syrup. Then add the whole Cherries with stems (I've pre pitted them before and they are softer without the snap I like) keep them over a low heat for a few minutes, stirring as they slightly cook and give off color. I then add a shot of Luxardo Maraschino liqure and a pony of Remy. Let cool, bottle and to the refer.