Balaton are a dark red cherry variety found mostly in Europe. The folks at American Spoon have found a cache of them growing in Michigan, though, and preserved them in a cherry syrup with a bit of brandy and vanilla. The result is delicious. Great on ice cream. With a double creme cheese that's just starting to ooze. Or, perhaps, slipped into a classic rye whiskey Manhattan.

Zingerman's Food Tours is visiting Northern Michigan (Traverse City area) in May, 2013. Join us for a behind-the-scenes insiders' journey to traditional food makers like this.