If you love old-fashioned preserves and recipes with a story, boerenmeisjes deserve a permanent spot in your kitchen. This traditional Dutch recipe (often overshadowed by its better-known sibling boerenjongens) is all about preserving fruit in alcohol. Think tender dried apricots slowly transforming into plump, syrupy, flavor-packed bites after a long soak in alcohol, sugar, and vanilla.
In English-speaking countries, you'll find similar recipes under names like brandied apricots, drunk apricots, or apricots preserved in alcohol. But Dutch boerenmeisjes have their own identity: simple ingredients, patience instead of cooking, and a surprisingly versatile result.
What Are Boerenmeisjes?
Boerenmeisjes literally translate to "farmer's girls." They're made by soaking dried apricots in alcohol (traditionally brandy, though vodka works beautifully), along with sugar and aromatics such as vanilla or citrus peel. Over time, the apricots absorb the alcohol and release their flavor.
Why This Recipe Still Works Today
Modern readers often complain online that preserved fruit recipes are either too sweet, too boozy, or oddly bitter after a few weeks. Boerenmeisjes solve many of these issues:
- The neutral alcohol lets the apricot flavor shine.
- A small amount of water prevents harshness.
- Time (not heat) does the work, resulting in a rounded, mellow flavor.
This also makes boerenmeisjes an ideal make-ahead recipe. Prepare a jar now, set it aside for two months, and you'll have an instant upgrade for desserts all year long.
How to Sterilize a Weck Jar for Boerenmeisjes
Properly sterilizing your jar is essential when making boerenmeisjes or any recipe that involves preserving fruit in alcohol.
- Start by washing the Weck jar, rubber ring, and glass lid in hot, soapy water. Rinse well.
- Place the jar and lid (not the rubber ring) in a large pot and fully submerge them in boiling water. Let them boil for 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove the jar and lid using clean tongs and place them upside down on a clean kitchen towel to air-dry.
- Meanwhile, briefly pour boiling water over the rubber ring or let it soak in hot (not boiling) water for a few minutes.
- Assemble the jar only when everything is completely dry. This step dramatically reduces the risk of spoilage and ensures your brandied apricots keep safely.
Ingredients & Smart Variations
- Dried apricots: I use sulfured apricots for their vibrant orange color. Unsulfured apricots work too, but expect a darker, more rustic look.
- Alcohol: Vodka keeps things clean and neutral. Brandy adds warmth and depth, perfect if you like a more traditional, dessert-wine vibe.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar dissolves slowly and evenly.
- Vanilla: Classic and subtle. You can also add orange zest, lemon peel, or even a cinnamon stick.
👉 If you enjoy this recipe, you'll also love my boerenjongens (raisins preserved in alcohol), they're fantastic served alongside boerenmeisjes on pancakes or waffles.
How to Serve Boerenmeisjes
These brandied apricots are incredibly versatile:
- Spoon them over pancakes, waffles, or crêpes
- Serve with vanilla custard, rice pudding, or ice cream
- Layer them into trifles or dessert glasses
- Chop them and fold into whipped cream or mascarpone
Storage & Food Safety
Thanks to alcohol and sugar, boerenmeisjes keep exceptionally well. Stored properly, they'll last for ages. Always use:
- A sterilized jar
- A clean spoon every time
- A tightly sealed lid
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Fresh fruit contains too much water and can spoil. Dried apricots are essential for safe preservation.
Minimum 2 months, but the flavor improves over time.
No. Alcohol and sugar preserve them. Just store in a cool, dark place.
Boerenmeisjes (Brandied Apricots)
Equipment
- 1 sterilized glass jar with tight-fitting lid
Ingredients
- 9 oz dried apricots (about 1½ cups)
- 1¼ cups vodka (or brandy)
- ⅔ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean (split length-wise)
Instructions
- Place 9 oz dried apricots in a clean, sterilized glass jar.
- Add 1¼ cups vodka, ⅔ cup water and ½ cup granulated sugar.
- Scrape the seeds from 1 vanilla bean, add both seeds and pod to the jar.
- Seal tightly and gently shake to distribute the sugar.
- Store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 months, gently swirling the jar occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Notes
- Too strong? Replace up to ¼ cup of the alcohol with extra water.
- Flavor boost: Add a strip of orange peel for a subtle citrus note.
Maayke
I LOVE boerenmeisjes with pancakes!
Sandra
Me too, SO good!