Bourbon Soaked Cherries

I love whiskey and there’s nothing better than a good Manhattan in my book.  I appreciate a proper cocktail with the right accouterments from cherries to ice cubs.  Luxardo maraschino cherries are the best way to top off a perfect rye Manhattan cocktail.  However, cherry season is here and thought I would try my hand at vanilla infused bourbon soaked cherries- how good does that sound!?

I’ve researched a few recipes and whipped up my own variation below.  Mine are now soaking up all the goodness and hope they turn out as good as I imagine.  Till then, feel free to give this recipe a shot and let me know what you think.

IMG_0313

Equipment

FullSizeRender (1)

Ingredients
  • 4 C Fresh Cherries (pitted), washed & well dried
  • 2 1/2 C Water
  • 2 1/2 C Organic Cane Sugar
  • 1 Lemon for Juice
  • 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 4-8 Oz Bourbon (I used Bullet)
Instructions
  1. Wash, pit and de-stem cherries and set to the side.
  2. Place the water and sugar in a medium sized saucepan. Bring to a light boil, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves.
  3. Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Remove from the heat. Now you have simple syrup.
  4. Now on to sanitizing your jars.  As you dissolve the sugar, you can bring a water bath canner full of water to the boil. If you have don’t have one, just use a very deep wide stock pot with one of those old fashioned metal steamers laid out in the bottom. This will keep the jars off the bottom of the pot so they don’t break. Fill the pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.
  5. Now using very clean hands, place the cherries in the jars with 3/4 inch of head space left over. Pour the simple syrup over the cherries (still leaving that 3/4 inch of space at the top and spoon 1 to 2 oz of bourbon over the entire mixture. This should leave you with 1/2″ of head space.
  6. Secure rims and lids on the jars and place in the boiling water to ensure seal and sanitization for 15 minutes. Carefully remove from the water with a pair of tongs with rubber bands wrapped around the ends to prevent slippage, and allow to set. You may hear a “ping” noise coming from the jars – this is an excellent sign. Once cool, check to make sure the rings have in fact sealed and refrigerate.
  7. Chill for 1-2 weeks before enjoying and they should last up to a month in the refrigerator once opened.

 

Summer Bucket List

Summer days are drifting away….it’s time to get serious about my Summer bucket list.  Each year I put a list together and never get around to checking them off.  I’ve been really kicking up my concert attendance this year which has been a goal of mine.  However, there a few others on my list that I’ve gotta cross off before Summer’s over.  Here’s my list and I think it’s pretty solid.  Let the planning commence!

Lake Geneva

Take a day trip – There are several places that are in driving distance of Chicago.  I’m thinking Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is in my future.  Beautiful place on the water and a mini escape from the city.  Also, I love a good dive bar and have heard Hogan’s Goat and The Inn Between are local favorites.

FullSizeRender

Explore neighborhoods – Chicago has no shortage of food and drink and things to do.  And, there are so many neighborhoods I haven’t visited in awhile where I can explore the old and new.  Andersonville is so cute and there are a ton of great restaurants and vintage shops to check out.  Brimfield is my favorite and i’m overdue for a visit (pictured above).

movies in the park

Movies in the park – Free movie in the park with a picnic and pals- yes please!  There’s even an app for that.

Windy-City-Smokeout3-800x483

Street festival – There are multiple street festivals every weekend in the Summer.  It can be a little overwhelming, but I’m looking forward to checking out a few new festivals.  Maybe while exploring a new neighborhood…

1431015984-Sun-Moon-Beach-Yoga-Classes-tickets

Yoga on the beach – I enjoy starting my morning with a good workout.  It sets the tone for the day and let’s be honest, gets one thing off the list for the day.  I’ve had this one on my radar for years now and the time has come to make it happen.  Namaste.

sailing
Learn how to sail- Cue your best yacht rock playlist and bust out the boat shoes.  Who doesn’t want to be on a boat in the summer.  Okay, there’s some work to do but it’s worth it.  Registration is still open…

Destination Vacation

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been consumed by wanderlust lately.  Long weekends away recharge and rejuvenate the soul and ignite creativity.  There are so many places I’d like to travel to, but have finally narrowed down my shortlist for the remainder of the year.  Now, where to first…

Vacation

London:  I visited this beautiful city a few years ago, but I have to say it still lives in my heart.  I absolutely love it and look forward exploring beyond Big Ben and Portobello road.

Seattle:  The Pacific Northwest is a favorite of mine and can’t believe I’ve never been to Seattle.  There’s so much to see and do in this city – where to begin?!

Montreal:  Bonjour belle!  I’ve heard so many wonderful things about this historic gem.  I better start brushing up on my French- oui oui.

Austin:  My love of country music, bbq and whiskey runs deep.  What better place to kick the dust up and get into a little trouble.  This has all the makings of a fantastic girls trip.

Feel free to pass along your recommendations for food, drink and fun in each city.  What’s on your vacation list?

Friday Top Five

Happy Friday!  Today’s Top Five is courtesy of my dear friend Theresa.  She’s got some great one’s you’ve got to check out!  Have a great weekend.

Fri Top 5_ 7.3

  1. Grana – loving everything about this new start-up clothing line that makes summer fashion a breeze
  2. Jawbone up3 – sleek style and helps to keep me on track
  3. Beach/Pool Reads – currently diving into China Rich Girlfriend
  4. Homemade cold brew – how I plan on getting through this holiday weekend
  5. This lightweight sunscreen is a must – safety first when sunbathing

4th of July Grill and Chill

Although it doesn’t feel like summer here in Chicago, 4th of July is just a few days away.  Like most of us, I’m escaping the city lights for a little fun in the sun on the lake in none other than Pure Michigan.  Besides looking forward to boat rides and cocktails, I’m excited to spend time outside grilling up some goodies with the family.  And, no fireworks show is complete without s’mores by the fire.  Here are some of the tasty treats I will be sampling this upcoming weekend.

Garlic and Rosemary Grilled Potatoes

Rosemary-and-Garlic-Grilled-Red-Potatoes2

Ingredients: 

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 pounds red potato, small
  • vegetable oil, for grill
  • fresh chives, chopped, for optional garnish

Directions:

  1. Soak 7-8 wooden skewers in water, if needed, or use metal ones
  2. Clean the potatoes and parboil for 4-5 minutes. Transfer potatoes into large bowl and let cool
  3. Meanwhile, place 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once garlic begins to turn translucent (~3 minutes), remove pan from heat. Set aside for later
  4. Preheat grill to high heat
  5. Once potatoes have been parboiled, slice each one in half. (If potatoes are larger in size, then you may need to quarter them.)
  6. Skewer potatoes and brush with remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  7. Brush grill grates with vegetable oil and place skewered potatoes cut-side down over the lit burners. Grill potatoes for 2-3 minutes, flip and grill for 2-3 more minutes
  8. Transfer potatoes to the unlit side of the grill. Close cover and allow potatoes to cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until they can be easily pierced with a fork
  9. Remove potatoes from grill and brush with the garlic and rosemary olive oil mixture. Garnish with fresh chives before serving (optional)

(Skinny) Mexican Grilled Corn

mex4

Ingredients:

  • 4 ears of fresh Sweet Corn (shucked)
  • 2 T plain Greek Yogurt
  • 2 T lite sour cream
  • ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp Fiesta Lime Mrs. Dash (opt)
  • Dash of salt and pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Light Olive Oil or Olive Oil Spray

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together greek yogurt and sour cream. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, Mrs. Dash (opt), and salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Spray or brush each ear of corn lightly with olive oil
  4. Grill for approximately 10 minutes, turning often to avoid burning. The corn should brown in places and be cooked through
  5. Take corn off of grill and brush with Greek Yogurt mixture
  6. Sprinkle with spice mixture, cheese, and cilantro
  7. Squeeze lime wedges over each piece of corn

S’more Kits:

smores
Courtesy: Rustic Rooster

Ingredients:

  • Pint size green berrigard produce baskets
  • Hershey’s milk chocolate bars
  • Honey Maid graham crackers
  • Campfire marshmallows
  • Wooden or metal sticks (long for campfire)

Directions:

  1. Place baskets in a row like an assembly line
  2. Put 2 chocolate bars diagonal in the bin so it will fit across
  3. On one side of the chocolate bars, place a generous amount of marshmallows
  4. On the other side, break the long graham crackers in half and put on the other open space
  5. Serve to your friends and family around the campfire and enjoy!

Bourbon Cherry Cooler:

bourbon.cherry.3.1
Courtesy: Honestly Yum

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1/2 oz Aperol
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • 3/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
  • 2 oz sparkling water
  • 8 cherries

Directions:

  1. Start with a handful of ripe summer cherries.
  2. De-stem and pit the cherries and add them to a shaker. Combine with the simple syrup and muddle until the cherries are thoroughly crushed.
  3. Add the lemon juice, Aperol, and bourbon. Fill your shaker with ice, and shake for a full 10 seconds.
  4. Strain into a tall glass over new ice and top with sparkling water. Add a straw and a sprig of fresh mint.

 

June Cravings

June is going by so fast I almost missed sharing my monthly cravings with you.  Trying to make the most of the nice days we’re having in Chicago since they go by quickly.  I’ve enjoyed celebrating my b-day this month, but I’m really looking forward to the long 4th of July holiday with my family at the lake.  Look out of some fun posts next week leading up to the holiday weekend.

JuneCravings

ONE//TWO//THREE//FOUR//FIVE//SIX//SEVEN//EIGHT//NINE//TEN//ELEVEN//TWELVE//THIRTEEN