So. Looks like Valentine's Day, right? And it is...hardly January. Before you throw this recipe away, let me explain: it takes time. Fortunately, it takes so little effort, you might actually forget you did it.
Basically, locate some dried sour cherries (check out the bulk bins), add to a mild-tasting vodka (read: cheap is fine, but make sure you'll be alright using it in small amounts; the flavor and aroma of the liquor will still remain behind the fruit flavor), sit back and wait, then enjoy. Use as you would vanilla extract or almond extract, depending on the recipe. Homemade custard, ice cream, baked oatmeal, buttermilk pancakes, biscotti, and almond cookies would all be wonderful applications for this extract. Begin with 1/2 t. for most recipes, and if you feel it deserves more, up to 1-2 t. Cherries vary naturally in acid and sugar content, and though this extract is not meant to be sweet per se, your perception of the flavor will depend on your batch of cherries.
I say in the recipe to let it rest for just one week before using, but most or all extracts benefit from 1-2 months of time. If you want it quicker, try doubling the amount of fruit.
No harm will come from allowing the cherries to live in the jar as long as you use the extract, but if you're planning on giving a jar away, or if you live somewhere quite warm, you may choose to remove them.
A word of warning: don't eat the fruit. Yes, doesn't it sound marvelous? Cherries soaked in liquor, boozy and delicious?
Wrong. The fruit naturally absorbs any "off-flavors" found in low-end alcohols (and the slight "fire-water" ethanol flavor in higher-grade ones). Which is great for your usable product, but not so much for eating straight, especially if you have bad memories of cheap vodka. I'm not alone there, am I?
Tool recommendations: just a small jar with a tight-fitting lid and a little bit of patience.
Sour Cherry Extract
Sweet-and-tart fruity extract for baking or confections, a yummy Valentine's Day gift project.
- 2 T. dried sweetened sour (pie) cherries
- 4 T. unflavored vodka
- Combine ingredients in a small jar. Place lid on tightly and gently shake or swirl jar.
- Keep in a cool, dark area for 1 week before using.
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