Flathead cherries are ripe and for sale, and so canning season officially begins for me.
Last night, I just touched the surface of the 20 pounds I bought by making 7 half pints of brandied cherries:
I’ll be canning the rest in an extra light honey syrup this weekend. No jam or sauce this year.
I’ve decided to take weekends off from Two Frog Home, as a general rule. I may occasionally throw up a post, but for the most part I won’t be writing here on Saturdays and Sundays. You will, however; be able to find my writings over at Women Not Dabbling In Normal every Sunday, see you there!
A little Montana scenery to kick off your weekend:
Have a great weekend!
July 25, 2008 at 8:19 am
What is the recipe for brandied cherries? I have never heard of them before.
July 25, 2008 at 8:43 am
Elizabeth,
I use pitted cherries, but you could use unpitted cherries. Put your cherries in sterlized jars and sprinkle a bit of sugar in the jar (as much as you’d like really but I’d say no more than a teaspoon) and then fill the jars with brandy leaving 1/2″ headspace. Seal – process in water bath for 10 minutes. For best flavor let sit for at least 3 months before eating. The processing may affect the alcohol content a little bit, but not enough to notice in my opinion.
They’re awesome on poundcake and/or ice cream. We always put the cherries on a dessert and then drink the brandy
very warming in the middle of a Montana winter.
July 25, 2008 at 9:40 am
Thanks for sharing the recipe, Kathie! I’ll have to file it away for next year – our cherries are done for the year (do Flathead cherries ripen later, or is it just a climate difference?).
July 26, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I made it to the Apple Barrel yesterday, and it was great to find local produce, eggs, meat and more there for so cheap. Thanks for letting me know more about it! We sure love fresh summer fruit.
July 26, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Those look wonderful!
I passed an award along to you from my site. Your blog is always a wonderful visit and resource
July 27, 2008 at 6:33 am
Oooh those look good!
July 27, 2008 at 8:30 pm
don’t you love the cherries……They look just like the ones off the tree in my yard. Yummo!!!!
July 28, 2008 at 8:37 am
Thank you! They sound excellent!