How To Make Brandied Cherries

    Have you seen how maraschino cherries are made? Better off with a homemade alternative, which also makes a great holiday gift.

    Christine Byrne
    by Christine Byrne

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Macey Foronda

    Brandied Cherries

    Makes 4 cups, enough to fill 4 1/2-pint jars (pictured here)

    INGREDIENTS

    1 pound cherries (fresh or frozen, but fresh is better; no need to thaw frozen)

    1 cup of water

    1 cup of granulated sugar

    1 cinnamon stick (2")

    1 cup good-quality brandy

    Optional: 4 whole cloves

    Special Equipment

    Heatproof, airtight quart-sized container

    4 1/2-pint jars

    Fine mesh strainer

    PREPARATION

    Wash, stem, and pit cherries, and divide them among the 4 1/2-pint jars.

    Add the water, sugar, and spices to a saucepan over low heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, and add the brandy to the saucepan and stir to combine. Discard the cinnamon stick, and pour the brandy mixture evenly over the cherries in the jars. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate overnight.

    Let cool to room temperature, then seal the gift jars and refrigerate. Cherries will keep for up to 1 month, refrigerated.

    Get decorating info here.

    Macey Foronda