Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a luxurious French dessert that transforms ordinary cherries into a wine-soaked delicacy that will make your guests swoon! This elegant recipe combines the natural sweetness of fresh cherries with the rich, complex flavors of red wine, creating a dessert that's both sophisticated and irresistibly delicious. Whether you're looking to impress at a dinner party or treat yourself to a gourmet experience, these Wine-Infused Cherries are about to become your new culinary obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup red wine
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Wash the fresh cherries thoroughly and remove the pits using a cherry pitter or a small knife. Ensure all stems are removed.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the red wine, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon stick. Stir the mixture gently to help the sugar dissolve.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the sugar from burning.
- Once the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid is simmering, carefully add the pitted cherries to the pan.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the cherries cook in the wine mixture for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cherries should become slightly softened but still maintain their shape.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and take the pan off the heat. Allow the cherries to cool in the wine syrup.
- Transfer the cherries and syrup to a serving bowl or individual dessert dishes. The cherries can be served warm or chilled, depending on preference.
- Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or alongside a slice of pound cake for added indulgence.
Tips
- Cherry Selection: Choose ripe, firm cherries for the best texture and flavor. Fresh, in-season cherries will elevate this dessert from good to extraordinary.
- Pitting Precision: Invest in a cherry pitter for quick and clean removal of pits. If you don't have one, carefully use a small knife, ensuring no stems or pits remain.
- Wine Wisdom: Use a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot. The wine's flavor will concentrate as it reduces, so choose a wine you'd enjoy drinking.
- Sugar Balance: Adjust sugar to taste. If your cherries are very sweet, you might want to reduce the sugar slightly.
- Serving Suggestions: These cherries are incredibly versatile. Serve them over vanilla ice cream, pound cake, or even as a sophisticated topping for yogurt or pancakes.
- Make-Ahead Magic: These cherries can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for entertaining.
- Temperature Tip: While delicious both warm and chilled, serving slightly warm can enhance the wine's aromatic qualities.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
