Cold Brandied Cherries Recipe
Preparation Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
Yield: Approximately 2 cups
Description
Transport yourself to Traverse City, Michigan, the cherry capital of the world, with these delightful Cold Brandied Cherries. This dessert is perfect on its own, with a dollop of creme fraiche, or served over vanilla ice cream or pound cake. You can make a batch and keep it in your refrigerator for up to 6 months, ensuring you always have a taste of summer on hand.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons red currant jelly
- 1 pound fresh sweet cherries, pitted
- 1/4 cup cognac or brandy
- 1 tablespoon creme fraiche per serving (optional)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 389.9
- Total Fat: 22.2g
- Saturated Fat: 13.8g
- Cholesterol: 81.5mg
- Sodium: 35.4mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 49.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.8g
- Sugars: 36.4g
- Protein: 2.5g
Instructions
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Melt the Jelly: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the red currant jelly until smooth and liquid.
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Cook the Cherries: Add the pitted cherries to the saucepan and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries are softened and infused with the jelly.
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Cool and Chill: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cherries cool slightly. Stir in the cognac or brandy. Transfer the mixture to a container with a lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together.
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Serve: To serve, spoon the cherries into dessert bowls and drizzle each serving with 1 tablespoon of the brandy sauce from the cherries. Optionally, pass around creme fraiche for guests to add to their liking.
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Storage: Store any leftover cherries in a tightly covered jar in the refrigerator. They can be stored this way for up to 6 months, allowing you to enjoy a taste of summer long after cherry season has passed.
Tips for Success
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Choosing Cherries: Opt for fresh, sweet cherries when they are in season for the best flavor. Make sure to pit them before cooking.
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Variations: You can adjust the sweetness by using more or less red currant jelly, depending on your preference.
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Serving Suggestions: Besides creme fraiche, these cherries also pair well with yogurt, whipped cream, or even as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
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Gift Idea: Package these cherries in decorative jars for a thoughtful homemade gift that preserves the flavors of summer.
Enjoy these Cold Brandied Cherries as a luxurious dessert or a delightful topping, and savor the taste of fresh cherries infused with brandy all year round!
