Sulfite free 'maraschino' cherry recipe

As I stated in a previous post, this was a great year for cherries in Indiana. Having an abundance of cherries on hand, naturally lead to some experimenting. We made cherry vinegar to use in place of balsamic vinegar and also bourbon cherries to use in place of maraschino cherries. Traditionally maraschino cherries would be made with Brandy, but since Brandy is a derivative of grape juice we avoid it at all costs. See our recipe below for bourbon cherries which can be used in place of maraschino cherries.

Bourbon cherries

• 3 cups Bourbon

• 2 cups fresh cherries

Directions:

1. Wash two cups of cherries and remove the stems and the pits. Place the cherries in a large mason jar.
2. Add three cups of Bourbon to the mason jar and seal with the lid. Place in a cool dark place for one week. Shake the jar once a day for seven days. Helpful tip: keep stored next to your coffee grinds so you see it every day and remember to shake it.
3. Using a fine sieve strain the liquid from the cherries. Store the infused bourbon in a mason jar in the freezer.