1 cup bourbon
1/4 cup minced shallots
Zest of 1 orange
1 twelve-ounce package fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

In small saucepan combine bourbon, shallots, and orange zest. Bring to boil over medium heat, and simmer until syrupy, about 10 minutes. Add cranberries and sugar, and stir until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered until cranberries burst. Remove from heat. Stir in pepper, and let cool.

Makes 3 cups.

From “The Pleasure of Their Companies,” originally featured in Domain, Winter 1988