Spotlight Recipe: Macerated Cherries

You may think of drying, canning or jam making to preserve fresh fruit – how about soaking up some alcohol?
Dana's Bourbon-Macerated Cherries

You may think of drying, canning or jam-making to preserve fresh fruit – how about a little booze? Macerating is simply soaking fruit in alcohol -- here's how it's done.

Macerating 101

Macerating is as simple as soaking fruit in alcohol. Berries, cherries, stone fruit or citrus are commonly paired up with brandy, rum, wine or some kind of liqueur. The liquor infuses the fruit, creating a delicious treat while preserving it at the same time.

When I was a little girl there was always a jar of cherries soaked in grappa in the back of the kitchen cabinet – it would only come out on holidays and special occasions. I wasn’t allowed to have any until I was older – they pack a pretty strong punch!

For my version of those beloved booze-soaked cherries, combine your alcohol of choice (I like rum or bourbon) in a saucepan with a few tablespoons of brown sugar and a few splashes of pure vanilla extract – heat until sugar is dissolved. Pour over cherries (stems removed) in a large jar. Cover and set aside for at least a week and up to one year. Divide into smaller jars for fabulous holiday or hostess gifts.

More Seasonal Goodies:

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »

Next Up

Spotlight Recipes: Gazpacho

Enjoy a refreshingly cool (and super healthy) soup this summer. Traditional gazpacho is a pureed mixture of fresh tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, onions, celery and cucumbers but don’t be afraid to get creative. Shake things up—blend a batch of watermelon, red pepper or white grape gazpacho instead.

Spotlight Recipes: Chutney

Chutney is a simmered-down or pureed combo of fruit (or veggies), spices and herbs. Instead of deep frying or drowning your fish, pork or meat in heavy sauces, opt for a tangy bite of chutney instead.

Spotlight Recipe: Michelada

Want something more exciting than bottled beer for your game-day bash? If your friends are Bloody Mary fans, this Mexican cocktail might be a winner. Lime and hot sauce liven up the flavor without adding calories.

Spotlight Recipes: Granita

Dig in to these delicious frozen treats that are reminiscent of Italian ices. Granita’s are harder in texture than sorbets and contain less sugar. To make a granita, cook up a simple sugar (combo of sugar and water) and add flavors such as coffee, mint, juice and wine along with fruit. Once the mixture has begun to freeze (it takes about 3 hours), scrape the ice crystals every so often as they start to form. Once frozen, scoop and serve.

Spotlight Recipe: Eggplant Sandwich

With 350 calories per serving, this baked eggplant and cheese sandwich works as a light, veg-friendly dinner served with baked sweet potato fries

Spotlight Recipes: Smarter Dips

Whether for a kid’s birthday party or having friends over to watch the game, dips are an easy to make crowd pleaser. Don’t let gobs of calories and fat weigh down your festivities – try our more figure-friendly picks.

Spotlight Recipes: Summertime Sweets

I’m a whole-hearted sweets lover (Dana can attest to that!). You’ll find my face pressed against the bakery window drooling at all the chocolate goodies. These low-cal scrumptious desserts are sure to satisfy that sweet tooth --- add them to your recipe collection.

Spotlight Recipe: Fish Tacos

Mix up your fish taco experience by using different kinds of firm fish and topping with homemade salsa.

Spotlight Recipes: Healthy Casseroles

Casseroles are an easy and tasty way to feed a crowd, but they're often very fattening. Check out our favorite healthy casserole recipes, including breakfast and dessert!

Spotlight Recipe: Roasted Peanuts

Peanuts are packed with 30 nutrients, including protein and the antioxidant vitamin E. Nuts also contain heart-healthy fats -- just stick to a small handful to keep those calories under control.