CHERRIES IN SPICED WINE SYRUP

Cherries in Spiced Wine Syrup image

Time 3h

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

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1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf
4 whole cloves
4 black peppercorns
3 (3- by 1/2-inch) strips fresh lemon zest
1 1/2 cups red Zinfandel
1/2 cup kirsch or other cherry-flavored brandy
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups fresh or frozen (not thawed) pitted sour cherries (1 lb)
1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise
kitchen string; a 4-inch square of cheesecloth; a 1-qt jar with lid

Steps:

Tie bay leaf, cloves, peppercorns, and zest together in a cheesecloth bag.
Combine Zinfandel, kirsch, water, sugar, and cheesecloth bag in a 4-quart heavy saucepan and bring to a boil. Add fresh or frozen cherries with any juices, cinnamon stick, and vanilla bean and simmer, uncovered, until cherries are tender but still hold their shape, 3 to 4 minutes.
Drain cherries in a sieve set over a bowl. Return cooking liquid to pan along with vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, and cheesecloth bag and boil until reduced to about 1 1/4 cups, about 12 minutes. Cool liquid slightly and discard vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, and cheesecloth bag. Transfer cherries and cooled liquid to jar and chill, covered, at least 2 hours to allow flavors to develop.