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Bookworm
Colonial Militia
USA
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February 10 2004
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 Posted - March 30 2008 : 8:43:38 PM
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I recently came across a recipe for a colonial refreshment called "Cherry Bounce." In a letter to her sister written one January (the year isn't specified), Abigail Adams said: "There is a kind of cake in fashion upon this day called New Years Cooky. This and cherry bounce as it is called is the old Dutch custom of treating their Friends upon the return of every New Year." Here's the recipe:
CHERRY BOUNCE
3 pounds fresh sweet cherries
1 pound sugar
1 cinnamon stick, broken
2 teaspoons whole cloves
1 bottle (4-5 quart) brandy
Choose perfect cherries; wash, remove stems, and dry completely. Do not pit. In a large crock that has a cover, layer the cherries, sugar, and spices; add brandy; stir thoroughly. Cover and let stand at room temperature at least 2 months. Offer drained liquid as a liqueur; refrigerate cherries and use in various ways for dessert.
Sounds like a wonderful addition to any New Year's Day party.
P.S. I've typed the amount of brandy as it's given in the recipe. Presumably it's "four-fifths of a quart" and not "4 to 5 quarts"!
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Bookworm
"I've gotten so fascinated with the eighteenth century, I'm going to stay there." -- David McCullough
"Nothing to it, brother." -- Barack Obama |
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Monadnock Guide
Council of Elders
USA
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March 14 2005
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Posted - March 30 2008 : 8:47:14 PM
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| Certainly sounds interesting Bookworm, - you are going to "give it a go", - right? ;) |
you can keep "The Change" |
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Seamus
Guardian of Heaven's Gate
USA
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May 19 2002
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Posted - March 30 2008 : 8:54:20 PM
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BW---
AHEC, Carlisle.....Saturday, May 17, Army Heritage Day....F&I War Way Station....I will be there, prepared to sacrifice my taste buds and body, if necessary, to taste test this wondeful sounding sauce. MG...I will issue a full report...as soon as I sober up. WW will also be on hand to confirm my findings. |
Life's journey is not to
arrive at the grave safely
in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways,
totally worn out, shouting
'...holy sh*t ...what a ride!'
~~Mavis Leyrer, Seattle
Seamus
~~Aim small, hit the b*****d right between the eyes!~~ |
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RedFraggle
Mohicanite
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October 13 2006
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Posted - March 30 2008 : 10:21:58 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Seamus
I will issue a full report...as soon as I sober up.
So, I take it you're hoping that that "4-5 quarts" really is "4 to 5" instead of "4/5"?  |
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Seamus
Guardian of Heaven's Gate
USA
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May 19 2002
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Posted - March 31 2008 : 03:14:04 AM
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| Isn't it?????????????????? |
Life's journey is not to
arrive at the grave safely
in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways,
totally worn out, shouting
'...holy sh*t ...what a ride!'
~~Mavis Leyrer, Seattle
Seamus
~~Aim small, hit the b*****d right between the eyes!~~ |
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Monadnock Guide
Council of Elders
USA
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March 14 2005
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Posted - March 31 2008 : 09:46:22 AM
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| I'll be looking forward to that report Seamus, - and I suspect WW will still be recovering. |
you can keep "The Change" |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
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November 27 2002
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Posted - April 02 2008 : 12:53:31 PM
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All right now...  look what happens when a person steps out of the state to the other side of the country, and away from the computer for a week! People start making assumptions and saying nasty things about ye!
However, having said that.....
Ooooooooo-eeeeeeee..... that does sound good! Mmmm.... mmmmm.... mmmmmmm. Unfortunately, Seamus, the receipt states it should be left for at least 2 months, and there won't be enough time between now and May 17th for that creative cherry cordial to fully develop its sweet cherry flavor.
However, WW may be persuaded into giving it a go for a future event worthy of a celebration. Say....... Fort Carillon 250th in June??? We may even allow a certain Miss-yer Lay-Fran-Say to enter our encampment long enough to sample a bit of Miss Abigail's receipt!
What say ye? |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Seamus
Guardian of Heaven's Gate
USA
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May 19 2002
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Posted - April 02 2008 : 1:32:11 PM
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| I say hold it until Washingtonburg at Carlisle in September. It might not quite be ready for Ti 250.......we want it to be RIGHT! |
Life's journey is not to
arrive at the grave safely
in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways,
totally worn out, shouting
'...holy sh*t ...what a ride!'
~~Mavis Leyrer, Seattle
Seamus
~~Aim small, hit the b*****d right between the eyes!~~ |
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 17 2005
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Posted - April 02 2008 : 1:49:13 PM
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| I think it should be sufficiently ready by Carillon! |
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
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November 27 2002
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Posted - April 02 2008 : 2:41:49 PM
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Oh... Ho.... H-o-o-o-o-o........... someone else's mouth is watering for Cherry Bounce, I see!
I will go looking for "fresh, sweet cherries" immediately! Hope I can find some at this time of year. If not, it may have to wait until September.
I'll keep you posted!
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"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Seamus
Guardian of Heaven's Gate
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 19 2002
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Posted - April 02 2008 : 5:27:05 PM
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| BW may not have it ready by AHEC in May, WW.Sorry, Fitz, we may have to fuel you with our "mysterious amber liquid" instead this time....... |
Life's journey is not to
arrive at the grave safely
in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways,
totally worn out, shouting
'...holy sh*t ...what a ride!'
~~Mavis Leyrer, Seattle
Seamus
~~Aim small, hit the b*****d right between the eyes!~~ |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
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November 27 2002
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Posted - April 02 2008 : 10:46:34 PM
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Seamus! Are you trying to confuse me? Am I missing something here?
That's what I said above! Even if BW starts it now, there won't be enough time for it to do its thing by AHEC in mid May.
I said I would try to make some, if I can find the fresh cherries, so it will be ready by the end of June for Fort Carillon. That's when Fitz will be meeting up with us, not in May.
At least, I don't think he will be at AHEC. Right, Fitz?
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Seamus
Guardian of Heaven's Gate
USA
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May 19 2002
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Posted - April 03 2008 : 04:52:40 AM
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| No, WW, you seem to be doing a good job on your own! ....I suggested that BW should bring some to AHEC in May, not Ti. I figured she might be making some, and would bring it to us there to 'sample'. You are right....it may not be ready by then, but I have eaten cake batter before the cake was done, too. Grandma always gave me the bowl and her beaters to lick clean! |
Life's journey is not to
arrive at the grave safely
in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways,
totally worn out, shouting
'...holy sh*t ...what a ride!'
~~Mavis Leyrer, Seattle
Seamus
~~Aim small, hit the b*****d right between the eyes!~~ |
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Bookworm
Colonial Militia
USA
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February 10 2004
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Posted - April 03 2008 : 06:55:05 AM
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| Glad you pointed out that timing problem, WW. And I'm afraid I have no plans to make this wonderful-sounding concoction. Space is at a premium in our home, so I don't know where I'd be able to keep it at room temperature (and away from the dog) for months. But I'm very glad to hear that you're going to give it a try, and that you and Seamus will be here on May 17th. |
Bookworm
"I've gotten so fascinated with the eighteenth century, I'm going to stay there." -- David McCullough
"Nothing to it, brother." -- Barack Obama |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
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November 27 2002
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Posted - April 03 2008 : 08:58:05 AM
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OK Rich.... where is that smiley blowing a raspberry??? Here. This is not a kiss for you, Seamus. It is a raspberry! 
BW, I have this delightful visual of your dog sneaking into your kitchen when you aren't looking to dip his/her nose into the crock of sweet, brandied cherries. I witnessed a "tipsy" dog (Not mine! I would never purposely do that to a dog!) one time and it was a sight to behold. |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
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July 17 2005
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Posted - April 03 2008 : 09:09:37 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Wilderness Woman
At least, I don't think he will be at AHEC. Right, Fitz?
What is AHEC? Sounds like some Government agency. (Hemingway used to call them "alphabet men") |
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
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Posted - April 03 2008 : 09:15:26 AM
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Guess you could say it is a government agency.
AHEC stands for the Army Heritage and Education Center, which is located in Carlisle, PA. Seamus and I have talked about it before. We both absolutely love going to events there because we are privileged to be able to live in the recently constructed replica of a French and Indian War era Way Station on the Forbes Rd.
AHEC
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
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Posted - April 03 2008 : 09:34:53 AM
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| Sort of a timeline event? I see Fred Anderson is coming in April. THAT should be worth the trip. |
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
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Posted - April 03 2008 : 12:48:12 PM
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Yes, the event in May is a War Timeline event, with our group representing the F & I War.
It is very, very cool to be there walking around the Heritage Trail, because you will undoubtedly encounter a Civil War soldier, or a WWII GI, or a WWI German officer with his motorcycle, or a WWII Army Nurse, or even a Viet Nam gun truck, complete with original crew members.
It actually tends to bring tears to my eyes, as it is very moving to me. |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
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November 27 2002
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Posted - April 04 2008 : 10:23:20 AM
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Back to the topic at hand...
I did a search on "cherry bounce" and came up with several modern versions of this old receipt. Here is one version:
Ingredients:
1 qt. cherries
1 qt. sugar
4/5 bottle of bourbon, or vodka [It appears that your assumption, BW, is correct]
Directions:
Put all ingredients in a gallon jar and mix. Place anywhere in the kitchen and shake every day for 6 weeks. Drain cherries and bottle cherry bounce. Serve with coke or 7up. [Now this is an interesting serving suggestion!]
Here is another:
2 quarts fresh cherries
4 cups sugar
1 quart of favorite spirits, vodka, brandy,etc.
Put in air tight container. Stir twice a day until sugar dissolves. Let sit for 6 weeks or longer.
And finally, here is Emeril's slightly more complicated version:
Ingredients
1/2 gallon Louisiana wild cherries (or fresh bing cherries)
1/2 gallon bourbon
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Instructions
Wash the cherries and put them in a gallon crock or jug. Add the whiskey, cover with cheesecloth or cork loosely. Set aside for 3 months or longer (mark your calendar) in a dark closet until the whiskey has absorbed the cherry flavor. After three months, combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar and continue cooking until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and cool.
Pour the cherry and bourbon mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into 1-quart sterilized bottles or decanters. To two-thirds of the cherry bounce, add one-third of the simple syrup. If you prefer it less sweet, use less simple syrup. [This is an interesting take on it, that allows you to vary the sweetness level.] Cork and store in a dry place. Makes about 2 1/2 quarts
So.... there you have it! Still around today! And btw, I still plan to try Abigail's receipt, as I like the sound of the spices that she added. |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
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Posted - April 29 2008 : 12:34:17 PM
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Alas and alack! Try as I might, I cannot find any fresh cherries in my area at this time of year. I thought I could at least find some that were imported from somewhere.... China.... anywhere! But no. It appears that I shall have to wait until they are in season, in another month or two.
So..... I am sorry to report to the members of my Regiment and to Fitz that I will not be able to have Cherry Bounce available for sampling at the Battle of Fort Carillon.
 |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
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Posted - April 29 2008 : 5:40:23 PM
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No cherries? What about bottled cherries? They are still cherries, aren't they? As a final resort, who needs the cherries. Really. After all you have the brandy. Just take a bottle of maraschino cherries, and pour the juice in the mix. Heck, just throw everything in the mix. With a fifth of brandy it will be just fine.
On a somewhat unrelated subject, Dave Bayer and I were discussing the fact that the drummers at Crown Point came through the French camps at 6:oo AM, which was not a problem since most of us were already awake (sun rises earlier up north!!!). Dave said if it were done in a period correct manner, they would drum the camp at 4:30 AM, at which time he would get up and have a breakfast of onions and brandy, then not be bothered again until 8:00. Ever try onions and brandy? It makes you appreciate those French!!! |
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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Monadnock Guide
Council of Elders
USA
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Posted - April 29 2008 : 8:00:26 PM
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| Much healthier that bacon & eggs just for starters, ... |
you can keep "The Change" |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
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Posted - May 05 2008 : 12:35:54 PM
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W-e-e-e-l-l... the idea here is to make it the way Abigail made it. I'm reasonably sure she wouldn't have used canned cherries. I doubt it would turn out the same. Canned cherries are already treated with lots of sugar and much of the flavor is gone. I think fresh would be much tastier.
~ shudder ~ onions and Brandy? Together? Make me "appreciate" the French??? I think, rather, it would make me appreciate the French being far away in another camp. |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
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Posted - May 05 2008 : 1:01:36 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Wilderness Woman
W-e-e-e-l-l... the idea here is to make it the way Abigail made it. I'm reasonably sure she wouldn't have used canned cherries. I doubt it would turn out the same. Canned cherries are already treated with lots of sugar and much of the flavor is gone. I think fresh would be much tastier.
Enough brandy and what does it matter?
quote:
~ shudder ~ onions and Brandy? Together? Make me "appreciate" the French??? I think, rather, it would make me appreciate the French being far away in another camp.
One of the Troupes de la Marine from the Montreal area says it was bread and brandy rather than onions and brandy. I suppose tastes vary, although my father swore that half a raw onion with black pepper on it and a 1/2 pint of bourbon would cure a cold. |
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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SgtMunro
Soldier of the King
USA
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Posted - May 06 2008 : 11:59:51 PM
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I always thought it was Cognac and an onion, as a traditional morning 'pick me up' among French regular army officers...
YMH&OS,
The Sarge
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Serjeant-Major Duncan Munro
Capt. Thos. Graham's Coy.
42nd Royal Highland Regiment of Foote
(The Black Sheep of the Black Watch)
"Nemo Me Impune Lacessit"
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Recipe for a Bouncy Colonial Liqueur
