Boozy Fruit (Rumtopf)
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh, seasonal fruit of choice
- ½ lb sugar
- 80-proof alcohol to cover fruit (1-2 cups)
Equipment
- sealable jar or wide-mouthed ceramic pot
How-to
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In a clean jar with a sealable lid (or, in a large ceramic pot), add fruit, then sugar. If using strawberries or raspberries, do not wash (the berries are too porous and will soak up too much water), but hull and/or remove stems and debris. If using larger stone fruits, score with paring knife a few times to allow alcohol to soak into the flesh
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Add alcohol to cover, but do not stir
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If making in a jar, repeat this process using these proportions until the jar is full – air space in the jar will cause the fruit to oxidize and not preserve properly. If making in a large pot, keep fruit submerged down into the alcohol by pressing a plate against the top, and build on the mixture as more fruit comes into season
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Store in a cool, dry place for 4 weeks to 4 months, tasting occasionally
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Serve as-is, atop cakes, panna cotta or your favorite dessert