It’s cool and damp here in Orange today. We’ve had almost 10 days of intermittent showers, and that’s great for deer farmers but terrible for cherry growers.
As the orchards of Orange rev into harvest, picking for the Christmas market, the weather is playing games but not its part. That said, the fruit is coming in steadily and despite the rain, in great condition. We’ve been working our way through box after box at home and have also picked up a few kilograms of second-grade fruit, still beautiful in flavour but slightly compromised by the rain. They are perfect for preserving, and all found their way into my big jam pot, with some lemon juice and vanilla, on their way to becoming one of my favourite things, cherry and vanilla cordial.
Bottled up individually, cherry and vanilla cordial makes a lovely Christmas present and is particularly good with sparkling wine or over loads of crushed ice, mineral water and even a splash of vodka. Yummo.
Cherry and Vanilla cordial
Oh Sophie this sounds divine. I’ve got some cherries in the fridge and am doing some Christmas cooking with a friend tomorrow. Just need to pick up a cherry pitter! Those labels are gorgeous. I love homemade gifts!
This looks lovely. Can I ask where you sourced the great looking bottles from?