NATIONAL BRANDIED FRUIT DAY
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NATIONAL BRANDIED FRUIT DAY
On October 20, we uncork the jars and celebrate National Brandied Fruit Day! This delightful food holiday honors a timeless tradition that transforms the simple sweetness of fruit into a rich, spirited, and wonderfully versatile dessert topping, mix-in, or stand-alone treat.
#BrandiedFruitDay
Born from the clever ingenuity of the Victorian era, brandied fruit was originally a way to preserve the vibrant flavors of the harvest long after the season ended. People discovered that bathing fresh fruits in brandy and sugar not only kept them from spoiling but also created a complex and delicious confection with a delightful, warming kick. It was the perfect way to capture the essence of fresh peaches or cherries to be enjoyed on a cold winter's night.
Brandied fruit is magic in a jar, especially since making brandied fruit is a wonderfully simple project that feels like a classic kitchen experiment. The first step is to choose your favorite fruits and put them in a jar. Peaches, cherries, pears, apricots, and plums are all fantastic choices! Next, add a mixture of brandy, sugar, and spices like cinnamon or cloves to the jar and then seal to allow the fruit to soak in the liquid mixture. Let all the ingredients steep for about a month to allow the flavors to meld and mature. The result is a jar of jewel-toned, boozy fruit that's ready to elevate any dish.
Interestingly, brandied fruit is used as a starter for Friendship Cake. Similar to the concept of a starter for sourdough bread, Friendship Cake takes time to prepare. However, once you've completed the process, you're sure to enjoy one of the most delicious treats ever!
8 BRANDIED FRUIT DAY CELEBRATIONS
National Brandied Fruit Day is the perfect time to either start a new batch for the upcoming holiday season or enjoy a jar you've already prepared. Think of brandied fruit as your secret weapon to make any dessert instantly more interesting and fun! Here are some other fantastic ways to celebrate:
- Spoon warm brandied fruit over a big scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- Muddle some brandied fruit and a splash of its syrup into an Old Fashioned or a glass of bubbly.
- Pour it over a block of cream cheese or Brie and serve with your favorite crackers.
- Chop it up and fold it into cake, muffin, or scone batter for a boozy, fruity surprise.
- Layer cubes of pound cake, whipped cream, and generous spoonfuls of brandied fruit.
- Serve it alongside sharp cheddar or aged gouda for a sweet and savory pairing.
- Enjoy the rich, syrupy liquid on its own as a delicious, sweet cordial after dinner.
- Share your brandied fruit with friends and family. Post your spirited creations on social media using #BrandiedFruitDay!
BRANDIED FRUIT DAY HISTORY
The history of brandied fruit is uncertain. Because of that, we have been unable to find the creator of this delicious food holiday.
Brandied Fruit FAQ
Q. How long do I let the fruit sit in the brandy for brandied fruit?
A. For the best flavor, leave your fruit in the brandy for at least a month. However, storing the fruit in the branding for longer will only improve the flavor.
Q. Do I need to give the brandied fruit a hot water bath?
A. No. Even though many people use canning jars to make brandied fruit, do not seal the jars using a hot water bath. The brandy will preserve the fruit. However, be sure the brandy covers the fruit and that you store the jars in a cool place.
Q. What fruits are best for brandied fruit?
A. Almost any fruit makes delicious brandied fruit. However, some fruits should be avoided such as bananas due to their texture and softness. However, other fruits such as cherries, pears, nectarines, plums, and berries make fantastic brandied fruit.