One week ‘til Santa!

Can you believe it? Where did that come from? And who’d have thought it would happen so quickly!

As I do most years, I have been baking some gifts for people. Both family and work colleagues. The first gift was shared over the weekend. A cute little recipe I picked up in the free xmas cooking magazine from Coles. Vodka Cherries.

750g cherries
1 cup caster sugar
1 cup water
1 vanilla bean
1 cinnamon quill
1 cup of vodka

I began by washing and pitting the cherries,

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and sterilising the jars. (You’ll need a 1 litre capacity)

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The usual critics made the usual comments.

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Combining the sugar and water in a small saucepan you stir it over a low heat without boiling until the sugar has dissolved, then bring to the boil.

Add the cherries vanilla bean, and cinnamon quill (I used pure vanilla essence and ground cinnamon – they were in the pantry) and simmer for 5 minutes, then add the vodka.

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You then spoon the cherries into jars and cover with liquid. Seal tightly, and label with the date. They store in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.

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As per the recipe, these cherries are delicious served with ice cream, and a little of the syrup can be added to champagne for a cocktail.

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We may have used more than a little. But I can attest that it is also delicious in mineral water! They were a complete success at our luncheon table over the weekend! 😀

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I have also for the first time attempted truffles. Balls I can do.

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My dipping technique needs work!

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I think I’ll try these again next year, and just make some more fudge in the mean time!

To my readers, both the recent and those who have been with me from the start, I’d like to thank you all from the bottom of the cockles of my heart, and if I don’t speak to you in the mean time, have a safe, happy, and wonderful giftmas. May your stockings be full, your relatives be kind, and may Santa be generous!

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