Cherry Liqueur

1/2 lb Bing Cherries

1/2 lb Granulated sugar

2 c Vodka

Pick plump, shiny, well-coloured fruit with green stems, avoiding dark coloured stems. Season is late April to August. DO NOT rince until use. Use cherries as soon as ripe. Wash, stem, and towel dry cherries and place in a jar. Pour sugar over the cherries, followed by the vodka. DO NOT mix them. Cover with lid and store on a shelf for 3 months without disturbing, then strain. Liqueur is ready to serve. Recipe can be varied with extracts (chocolate, mint, orange, etc). Add approximately 1 teaspoon of extract to finished liqueur and let sit for another few weeks. Experiment with small portions of flavorings to find your desired taste. Container: Wide mouth quart jar.