A Little Bit of Brandy Goes a Long Way: How to Make Brandied Fruit

We all know that fruit is a sweet and healthy snack, but have you tried brandied fruit? Trust me, you'll thank me later. Not only is it a delicious treat that will make your taste buds sing, it's also pretty easy to make and is perfect for entertaining! Whether you're looking to impress your guests at a dinner party or just want to indulge on your own, let me walk you through how to make brandied fruit.

First things first, let's get to the basics. What exactly is brandied fruit? It's your favorite fruits soaked in brandy, sugar, and spices for a minimum of two weeks. Simple enough, right? The key is to use fresh, in-season fruits to get the best flavor. Think peaches, cherries, plums, and apricots, just to name a few.

Once you've selected your fruits, it's time to prep them. You'll want to wash, dry, and pit them before placing them in an airtight container. Then, it's time to create the brandy mixture. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, and 1 cup of brandy. Heat on medium until the sugar has dissolved and then pour it over your fruit.

At this point, you can get creative with spice additions like cinnamon sticks or whole cloves. You can also add citrus peels for an extra punch of flavor. Once your container is full, seal it up and place it in the fridge. You'll want to shake the container once a day to ensure the fruit is evenly coated.

After the two weeks are up, your brandied fruit is ready! It's perfect for snacking on its own, but you can also use it in pies, crisps, or on top of ice cream for a decadent dessert. Plus, it's a great way to use up any excess fruit before it goes bad.

But wait, there's more! Don't throw away that brandy mixture just yet. Strain out the fruit and save the liquid. You now have yourself a delicious homemade brandy that you can enjoy on its own or use in other recipes.

There you have it, folks! Making brandied fruit is simple, fun, and delicious. It's a perfect way to add some jazz to your fruits, and honestly, who can say no to brandy? Whether you're sharing with friends or keeping it all to yourself, enjoy the fruits of your labor (pun intended)!

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit_brandy#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20legal%20definition,juice%20or%20wine%2C%20or%2030

https://www.thespruceeats.com/brandied-fruit-recipe-1136116

https://www.food.com/recipe/friendship-brandy-fruit-starter-203832