Cherries marinated in grappa, an Italian
alcoholic beverage.
Cherries in Grappa
2 pounds firm cherries
6 white sugar cubes, slightly crushed*
Grappa, brandy or kirsch
Melted coating chocolate** (optional)
- Snip half of the stalk off each cherry,
leaving half on for handling and as an attractive touch when
serving. Prick each cherry once with a fine, clean needle.
- Place in a large, sterilized 1-quart jar,
adding some sugar between layers of cherries. (Sterilize jar
and lid by boiling in water for 10 minutes; leave in hot water
until ready to use.) After adding cherries and sugar, pour in
enough grappa to cover. Seal and place in cool, dark location
for up to 7 months.
- If desired, before serving, drain and
pat with paper towel. Dip in melted coating chocolate and allow
to harden on wax paper. Serve as a treat with coffee, if desired.
Yield: about 4 cups.
*If you don't have sugar cubes, substitute
regular granulated sugar, about 7 teaspoons.
**Coating chocolate is generally sold in
craft stores and supermarkets next to the fresh berries. It's
usually formed into pellets. Once melted and used for dipping,
it hardens quickly, making it ideal for dipping the cherries.
