Cherries Poached in Red Wine with Mascarpone Cream

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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 

Cherries Poached in Red Wine with Mascarpone Cream
Photo: © Ben Dearnley
Yield:
4

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups red wine

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1 1-by-3-inch strip orange zest

  • 2 pounds sweet cherries, halved and pitted

  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese

  • 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.

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