Brandied Raisins

Boerenjongens

500 grams raisins
500 ml water
300 grams sugar
piece of cinnamon stick
1 liter brandy
canning jar(s) or other stoppered bottle(s)

Thoroughly clean the jars with hot soda water and rinse with hot water.

Wash and rinse the raisins and dry them well. Put the raisins with the cinnamon stick in the water. Bring to a boil and turn down the heat, letting the raisins simmer and swell for 20 minutes. Then remove the cinnamon and add and dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and add the brandy.

Pour the ‘boerenjongens’ into the jars, seal those and put away in a dark, cool place for at least three weeks before tasting or serving.

Boerenjongens is the Dutch word for farm boys. The etymological connection is unclear but various explanations could come to mind. Another brandied fruit drink (with apricots) is called ‘boerenmeisjes’: farm girls.