Cornellian cherry has been used for 7000 years as a food crop in ancient Greece. Cornelian cherry is native to regions of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Known primarily as an ornamental plant in the U.S., its cherry-like fruits have been part of a healthy diet in some parts of the world for thousands of years. In its native range, it is still used as a fresh fruit and is popular as a fruit liqueur.
With properties similar to a tart cherry, other uses include syrup, jelly, jams, pies, wine and baked goods. This historically significant fruit has lost favor in the industrialized age because it does not lend itself well to mass production and processing. The fruit has an elongated pit that is hard to remove because it adheres tightly to the edible flesh. Fruit ripens over an extended period of time, requiring multiple harvests.
 |
| My 5lt Jar |
So what happens when suddenly a very good friend of yours provides you with some kilos of Cornelian cherry? First of all you thank him with a drink, since its difficult for someone who lives in Crete to find Cornelian cherry's. Second you try to remember the old and simple recipe that you grandmother told you about.
So what will you need exactly for your recipe? Simple ...very simple...
A glass for measuring purposes
Cornelian cherrys 1part
Sugar 1 part
Cognac,Brandy,Ouzo or Cretan Raki 1 part it is your choice here-i prefer Cretan Raki
Some sticks of cinnamon
Some nutmeg
5-7 Cloves
A glass Jar with a 5lt capacity
....and the help of the mighty sun!
 |
| Mixture preparation |
Preparation is simple and straight forward.
Every time you fill your measuring glass with Cornelian cherrys first.Then you put them inside the Jar and you add one glass of sugar and one glass of alcohol . You have to be very careful since you need to mix the mixture every time until the sugar is totally dissolved.This is very critical and it takes some time.Well a little help from your wife or girlfriend is always welcome, even though most times they simply like to supervise!In the end you also add the nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves.Those will give this extra flavor to your liqueur.
 |
| Ready for the...sun |
The next step is the easiest of the procedure. You just need a spot on your flat, or on your tarace (even better) where you can put and secure you glass Jar (full with the prepared mixture).It is best if this spot has no shade at all and the sun can see your Jar for as many hours possible.There, and depending on the sunshine and temperatures of your location, you will leave your mixture for a period of 1 or 2 months. Don,t forget that each week you need to access your Jar and shake it very well.The sun will help the mixture slowly to become a perfect liqueur.
 |
| After 40 day's under the Cretan sun |
So after some time you just open your Jar, remove the Cornelian cherrys and transfer the drink to bottles.Yes you can use the Cornelian cherrys one more time,but take in mind the second drink you will be prepare will not be so strong for obvious reasons.
I hope that you will try my simple recipe and in the end enjoy a Cornelian cherrys liqueur. It tastes perfect.Cheers!!!
 |
| Cheers! |
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου