Ontario cherries are now  at farmer’s markets.  They are great to eat fresh and even better to jar for the winter in some vodka.  I’ve been making these flavored cherries for a few years and they are always a great companion to dessert on  special occasions.  We always wait until Christmas Eve to  open the first jar from the previous summer and share it amongst the adults at our table.  You are going to be AMAZED at the sweetness in the vodka.  In fact it tastes like a sweet cherry juice with a hint of vodka, minus the harsher alcohol taste of vodka “straight up”.    Just be carfeull………it may be hard to stop wanting more and NO……This DOESN’T count towards a serving of fruit!

First, wash and remove the stems from your cherries.  Discard any bruised or blemished fruit.

Using a canning funnel (just because it’s easier), drop your cherries into a clean mason jar.

Firmy pack as many cherries as you can into the jar without smashing up the fruit.

Fill the jar with vodka, leaving a 1/4″ headspace.  Seal up the jar.  Note:  There is no need to sterilize the jar because the vodka will act as a preservative for the fruit.

Now, put it aside in your cantina or cold cellar and WAIT!  You have to give those babies at least 4 months to flavor the vodka.  You will know that the cherries are ready when the vodka turns a deep dark red.

Serve 3-4 cherries in a liqueur glass with a toothpick.  Your family & friends are going to love them!  Enjoy responsibly!