Cherries in Grappa

Cherries marinated in grappa, an Italian brandy.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 pounds firm cherries
6 white sugar cubes, slightly crushed*
Grappa, brandy or kirsch
Melted coating chocolate** (optional)

Cooking Directions:

1. Snip half of the stalk off each cherry, leaving half on for handling and as an attractive touch when serving. Prick each cherry once with a fine, clean needle.
2. Place in a large, sterilized 1-quart jar, adding some sugar between layers of cherries. (Sterilize jar and lid by boiling in water for 10 minutes; leave in hot water until ready to use.) After adding cherries and sugar, pour in enough grappa to cover. Seal and place in cool, dark location for up to 7 months.
3. If desired, before serving, drain and pat with paper towel. Dip in melted coating chocolate and allow to harden on wax paper. Serve as a treat with coffee, if desired.

Makes about 4 cups.

*If you don't have sugar cubes, substitute regular granulated sugar, about 7 teaspoons.

**Coating chocolate is generally sold in craft stores and supermarkets next to the fresh berries. It's usually formed into pellets. Once melted and used for dipping, it hardens quickly, making it ideal for dipping the cherries.