Brandied Cherries

2 pounds Northwest fresh sweet cherries, stemmed and pitted
2 cups sugar
1 quart brandy

Yield: 1 1/2 quarts

Brandied Cherries are ideal as a topping for ice cream, cheesecake or your favorite bread pudding. And with Brandied Cherries, gift giving couldn't be easier. Simply portion brandied cherries into bottles or canning jars, wrap the lids with festive wrapping or fabric, and tie with a bow. Store in a cool dark place, and you've got a gourmet gift for all of the special people on your list.
 
Usage Tips: Serve over ice cream. Dress up cheesecake with a spoonful of cherries. Top flan with brandy and cherries. Spoon cherries over pound cake and top with whipped cream or cream fraiche. Combine with fruit in season and serve with special cookies. Dress up bread puddings with a topping of brandied cherries. Add to your favorite chocolate cake or brownie batter.
 
Nutritional Analysis Per Serving: 184 Cal., 0.45 g pro, 0.36 g fat (2% Cal, from fat), 23.0 g carb., 0 mg chol.,0.9 g fiber, 1 mg sodium.