Brandied Smoked Cherries
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs of sweet cherries, washed, stemmed, and pitted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 to 1½ cup brandy
  • diced lemon zest (if desired)
Instructions
  1. In a small sauce pan, heat the water and sugar until completely dissolved.
  2. Set aside to cool in a large bowl.
  3. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.
  4. Prepare the smoker and smoke the cherries for 10 to 15 minutes.
  5. Place the smoked cherries into the large bowl with the lemon juice mixture.
  6. Add the brandy and gently stir to incorporate.
  7. Place the cherries into 2 clean pint or 1 quart mason jars. If needed, add brandy to cover the cherries, allowing for ½ inch of headroom.
  8. Allow the cool thoroughly before adding the lids and screwing the collars finger tight.
  9. Refrigerate for 4 to 6 weeks before using in cocktails or desserts.
Notes
If you do not own a smoker or simply want brandied cherries, skip the smoking step and add the cherries to the dissolved sugar and water solution with the lemon juice and lightly simmer for 5 minutes. Then cool slightly before adding the brandy and transferring to mason jars.
Recipe by Cooking 4 One at https://www.cooking-4-one.com/2018/07/01/brandied-smoked-cherries/