Cherry Bounce

Here's something to do with all those tart cherries that you'll appreciate at Christmastime.

I once gave a bottle to the host of a TV show, U.P. Today, years ago. A furniture-maker appeared on the show before I was interviewed about "Michigan Cooking...and Other Things." Well, all three of us sampled the contents -- frequently. By the time I was up, I had no idea what I or the host discussed -- but we sure had a good time.

This is a family recipe from my dear mother-in-law, Helen Eberly. She served it every Christmas.

2 quarts tart cherries

2 pounds sugar

2 fifths (cheap) whiskey

Mix all ingredients in a large jar or crock. Cover. Stir once a day for the first week. Stir once a week thereafter. Strain and bottle anytime after 2-3 months. Makes about 2 quarts.

(From "Michigan Cooking...and Other Things")

Catching those pesky fruit flies

We have an abundance of tart cherries, peaches and blueberries now in Northern Michigan. But with these tasty fruits come those pesky fruit flies. They're everywhere -- in the kitchen, in front of the TV during a Tigers game, even in the bathroom -- is nothing sacred?

Tip -- Put some wine vinegar in a jar with a cap that has holes in it (an empty spice jar with holes in the top will do). Those nasty buggers fly right into the jar, but can't get out. You may trap 5-10 a day with luck. I'm up to 24 now. Sure makes watching the Tigers a lot more pleasant.