Vodka Cherries

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: Stand for 4 weeks

INGREDIENTS

300-350 grams cherries, washed
4-6 tablespoons sugar
1 cup vodka

Make this as Christmas gifts for friends.

METHOD

1. Prick each cherry 3-4 times with a skewer or point of a sharp small knife. Pack the cherries firmly into a clean, sterilised 600 millilitre-capacity jar. They should not be loose but rather well-packed in the jar. Sprinkle over the sugar. For very sweet cherries, add all 6 tablespoons or sugar.

2. Pour over the vodka, making sure the cherries are submerged in the vodka. Cover with a tight fitting lid and place in a cool place and away from sunlight for 4 weeks before using to allow the cherries to macerate. Turn regularly until all the sugar has dissolved.

3. Serve the cherries on a dessert platter or with dipping chocolate. The vodka can be used as the base for a drink or added to a punch.