RECIPE

Cherries Poached in Red Wine with Mascarpone Cream

  • Contributed by Quick From Scratch Italian
  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 4

Thick mascarpone cheese mixed with honey makes a luscious topping for poached cherries. You can serve the dessert either warm or cold. We love it both ways.

Plus: More Dessert Recipes and Tips

  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 4
  • FAST
  • VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. 2 1/4 cups red wine
    2. 1 cup sugar
    3. 1 1-by-3-inch strip orange zest
    4. 2 pounds sweet cherries, halved and pitted
    5. 1 cup mascarpone cheese
    6. 2 1/2 tablespoons honey

Directions

  1. In a medium stainless-steel saucepan, combine the wine, sugar, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over moderately high heat. Add the cherries and bring back to a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, until the cherries are just tender, about 5 minutes. Pour into a glass or stainless-steel bowl so the cherries don't overcook.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the mascarpone with the honey. Remove the strip of orange zest from the cherries. Serve the warm cherries and syrup in bowls or stemmed glasses, topped with a large dollop of the mascarpone cream.

Notes

Variations

• The warm cherries and poaching liquid are great alone—without the mascarpone cream—or with whipped cream.

• Serve the mascarpone cream with cut up fresh fruit or mixed berries instead of with the poached cherries.