Fabulously delicious. Make this as a Christmas gift for friends, or serve the cherries with ice cream and the vodka or gin as a cocktail - one-quarter cherry vodka or gin topped with chilled bubbles.

Ingredients

• 300-350 grams cherries, washed
• 4-6 tablespoons sugar
• 1 vanilla bean
• 1 cup (250ml) vodka or gin

Method

1. Place the vanilla pod in a 600ml-capacity sterilised, lidded jar or bottle. Prick each cherry 3-4 times with a skewer or point of a sharp small knife. Pack the cherries firmly into the jar. They should not be loose but rather well-packed in the jar. Sprinkle over the sugar. For very sweet cherries, add all 6 tablespoons of sugar.
2. Pour over the vodka or gin, making sure the cherries are submerged in the vodka. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and place in a cool place, away from sunlight for 4 weeks to allow the cherries to macerate. Turn regularly until all the sugar has dissolved.
3. Serve the cherries on a dessert platter with dipping chocolate or accompany with ice cream. The vodka or gin can be used as the base for a drink or added to a punch.