Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that's not just a dessert, but a dramatic performance on a plate! This Flaming Cherries Jubilee isn't just a recipe—it's a family legacy passed down through generations, promising to transform an ordinary evening into an extraordinary dining experience. With a touch of theatrical flair and a burst of rich, boozy flavors, this classic French dessert will have your guests gasping in delight as flames dance around perfectly caramelized cherries.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the cherries. If you haven't done so already, wash the cherries thoroughly and remove the pits. This will yield about 2 cups of pitted cherries. Set them aside in a medium bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and lemon juice. Stir until the sugar is well-coated with the lemon juice. This mixture will help to enhance the sweetness and flavor of the cherries.
- Pour the sugar and lemon juice mixture over the pitted cherries. Gently toss the cherries to ensure they are evenly coated with the sugar mixture. Allow the cherries to sit for about 10 minutes, letting the juices begin to release.
- In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, add the coated cherries along with any juices that have accumulated in the bowl. Cook the cherries for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- After the cherries have softened, carefully pour in the brandy. Stir gently to combine the brandy with the cherries and their juices.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- To flambé the cherries, carefully tilt the pan away from you and use a long lighter or match to ignite the brandy. Stand back as the flames will rise. Allow the flames to subside naturally as the alcohol burns off, which should take about 30 seconds to a minute.
- Once the flames have extinguished, remove the saucepan from the heat. The cherries should be beautifully glazed with the syrupy sauce.
- To serve, place a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream in each serving bowl. Spoon the warm cherries and their sauce over the ice cream, allowing the heat to slightly melt the ice cream.
- Enjoy your Flaming Cherries Jubilee Mom Margaret immediately, savoring the delightful combination of warm cherries and cold vanilla ice cream!
Tips
- Cherry Selection: Choose ripe, firm cherries for the best flavor and texture. Fresh is always best!
- Safety First: When flambéing, ensure you're wearing long sleeves and have a fire extinguisher nearby. Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
- Brandy Matters: Use a good quality brandy for the most robust flavor. The better the brandy, the more complex the taste.
- Temperature Control: When igniting the brandy, ensure your pan is at the right heat—too hot, and the flames might get out of control; too cool, and it won't ignite properly.
- Serve Immediately: The magic of this dessert is in its temperature contrast—warm, boozy cherries over cold vanilla ice cream. Serve right away for the best experience.
- Optional Garnish: Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200kcal
Carbohydrates: 39g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
