This isn't really a recipe for good food, but these little gems are big fun during the holidays, and they need a month to marinate, so now is the time. Be warned: a few go a long way toward generating giddy behavior, particularly among those who stand by the tray and pop them like candy. They're loaded. The Cherry Bombs, that is. And the people who consume them, if they aren't careful. These things pack a powerful punch!
Ingredients:
1 large jar maraschino cherries WITH stems
1 bottle Everclear grain alcohol
Dipping chocolate (optional)
Drain all of the liquid from the jar of cherries. Fill jar with Everclear, seal tightly, and stash out of sight for about a month so the cherries can steep and marinate fully. On party day, drain the Everclear and remove cherries carefully from jar, keeping stems intact. If desired, coat cherries in melted dipping chocolate and refrigerate until chocolate sets. Arrange Cherry Bombs on a platter for serving, keeping WELL OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN!
Notes: If you can't find Everclear, these can be made with other liquor, as well. I've tried them with Vodka, Bourbon, and even Amaretto, all to rave reviews. When you drain the liquor off the cherries at the end of the thirty-some days, don't throw it out! It makes a fine addition to holiday punch or, in the case of the Amaretto, to mugs of steaming hot chocolate.