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Bourbon-Vanilla Cherries

Source of Recipe

From "Food, Gift, Love" by Maggie Battista


Recipe Introduction

"Of all possible cocktail garnishes, these are the easiest. When the jar is empty, I swirl the vanilla bean into my rocks glass. Use a sweeter bourbon of good-enough quality, a brand that you would enjoy drinking."

List of Ingredients

◦ 1 heaping cup (about 6 ounces) Bing cherries, fresh or frozen and with or without stems
◦ 1 cup bourbon
◦ 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
◦ 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise


Recipe

Wash the cherries and pit them, if desired. Whether fresh or frozen, place the cherries and vanilla bean in a jar and set aside. (Do not thaw frozen cherries. There's no need to pit the cherries.)

In a medium pot over medium-low heat, combine the bourbon, sugar, and vanilla bean, being careful not to spill any bourbon over the flame, as it might ignite. Bring the mixture just to a simmer (not a boil), and swirl until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Ladle the hot liquid through a funnel set over the jar of cherries. Wipe the rim and seal. Place in the fridge. The cherries will be ready to use in three days, but will taste better after 1 week. Store in the fridge up to 2 months.


Makes 2 cups