Skip to main content

Brandied Cherries

Fresh sour cherries are best, but you can also make this recipe with frozen morello cherries. These cherries will keep in the refrigerator for several months and are fantastic spooned over ice cream or a simple cake or even dropped into a glass of champagne with a little of their syrup.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes about 4 cups

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups (500g) sugar
3 cups (720g) water
1 1/2 cups (375g) brandy or cognac, or more to taste
1 1/2 pounds (680g) sour cherries, pitted

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Put the sugar and water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat and add the brandy and cherries. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Remove the cherries carefully with a slotted spoon. Continue to simmer the liquid for 30 minutes, reducing the liquid to give it some body.

    Step 2

    Take the pan off the heat and return the cherries to the liquid. Let cool to room temperature. Taste and add more brandy if you want. Store in the refrigerator.

Reprinted with permission from Dessert Fourplay: Sweet Quartets from a Four-Star Pastry Chef by Johnny Iuzzini and Roy Finamore. Copyright © 2008 by Johnny Iuzzini and Roy Finamore. Published by Crown Publishing. All Rights Reserved. Johnny Iuzzini,, executive pastry chef of the world-renowned Jean Georges restaurant in New York City, won the award for Outstanding Pastry Chef from the James Beard Foundation in 2006. This is his first book. Roy Finamore, a publishing veteran of more than thirty years, has worked with many bestselling cookbook authors. He is the author of three books: One Potato, Two Potato; Tasty, which won a James Beard Foundation award; and Fish Without a Doubt.__
Read More
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.