Two Cherry Desserts

Cherries in Red Wine on Country Bread

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup red wine
• 1/2 tsp. lemon zest
• 1-1/2 lb. cherries, pitted
• 4 thick slices country bread
• 1-1/2 Tbs. butter, room temperature

Directions

Combine the sugar, red wine and lemon zest in a medium saucepan. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the cherries and stir. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.

Lightly grill or toast the bread and spread with a little butter. Place the bread on four individual dessert plates. Spoon the cherries and juices over the bread. Serve warm.

Serves 4.

Copyright © Mary S. Risley
(Recipe adapted from VERDURA by Viana La Place)

 Very Cherry Ice Cream

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup red wine
• 1/2 tsp. lemon zest
• 1-1/2 lbs. cherries, pitted
• 3 cups good quality heavy cream
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

Combine half the sugar, red wine and lemon zest in a medium saucepan. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the cherries and stir. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Chill. Strain out 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the juice and save for another purpose.

Combine the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with the cream and vanilla. Place in a home ice cream maker and process until half frozen. Add the cherries and continue freezing until very thick. Place in a metal bowl, which has been chilling in the freezer. Cover with plastic wrap and let harden 2 to 3 hours.

Makes 1 qt.

Note: To make a refreshing drink, place 1 Tbs. of the reserved wine juices in an 8-oz. glass and fill with ice and mineral water.