Brandied Cherries

1/3 cup sugar 3/4 cup water 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise Two 3-inch strips orange rind Two 3-inch strips lemon rind 8  ounces Chukar® Dried Bing or Rainier Cherries 3/4 cup Cognac or Brandy

from Chukar Cherries - www.chukar.com

Brandied Cherries (continued)

In a small heavy saucepan, combine sugar, water, vanilla bean, orange and lemon rinds. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and stir until sugar is dissolved. Pour syrup and Cognac over dried cherries and stir gently. Seal container. Store cherries in a cool place. Shake or stir gently once a day for a week, adding additional Cognac or water as necessary to keep fruit immersed in liquid. Serve over ice cream or with yogurt or creme fraiche. Yields 1 pint. An elegant dessert sauce created especially for spooning over cheesecake, flan, dessert crepes, rice pudding and other good things.

from Chukar Cherries - www.chukar.com