MACERATED FRUIT
4 servings
If using the optional liquor, some good combinations include brandy with cherries, bourbon with peaches, dark rum with mango, and kirsch with strawberries.
Place one of the following in a medium bowl:
- ½ pound strawberries, hulled and quartered or sliced
- ½ pound raspberries, blackberries, or pitted cherries
- ½ pound peaches, apricots, plums, or mango, pitted and sliced or chopped
Sprinkle over the fruit:
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar, to taste
- (1 to 2 tablespoons liquor, liqueur, or wine, to taste)
- (Scraped seeds from a 1½-inch piece of vanilla bean)
Allow the fruit to sit at room temperature, stirring occasionally, until it softens slightly and a light syrup collects in the bottom of the bowl, 30 to 45 minutes. Store refrigerated.