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Cherries Jubilee

This classic dessert features warm cherries simmered in
 sugar and Kirsch, and served over vanilla ice cream.


Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh ripe sweet cherries, cleaned and pitted

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar

  • Juice of 1/2 lemon

  • 1/3 cup cherry brandy (Kirsch) or rum

  • Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a flameproof skillet, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice.

  2. Simmer: Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, or until sugar dissolves.

  3. Cook: Uncover and increase heat to medium-high. Cook until cherries are juicy and syrupy, about 5 minutes more.

  4. Flambé (Optional):

    • Remove from heat.

    • Carefully add the brandy.

    • Ignite with a long match or lighter.

    • Swirl gently until flames subside.

  5. Serve: Serve immediately over scoops of vanilla ice cream.

Tips:

  • Flambéing: While optional, flambéing adds a touch of drama and caramelizes the sugars for enhanced flavor. If you choose not to flambé, the sauce will still be delicious.

  • Frozen Cherries: Use thawed frozen cherries if fresh are unavailable.

  • Storage: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

History:

Cherries Jubilee is a timeless classic, dating back to the late 1800s. It was reportedly created by renowned French chef Auguste Escoffier for Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee celebration.


A Timeless Treat: Cherries Jubilee

Prepare to be transported back to a bygone era with this classic dessert: Cherries Jubilee. This iconic dish, a true testament to the magic of culinary artistry, boasts a history as rich and flavorful as the cherries themselves.

Legend has it that Cherries Jubilee was born in the late 1800s, a dazzling creation dreamt up by the renowned French chef Auguste Escoffier to celebrate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. Imagine the scene: a grand banquet hall, a hush falling over the guests as the chef, with a flourish, ignites the brandy-laced cherries, creating a dramatic display of culinary flair.

This recipe, a masterpiece of simplicity, allows you to recreate that magic in your own kitchen. Picture this: plump, juicy cherries simmered in a sweet syrup, their vibrant colors glistening. Then, the pièce de résistance: a dramatic flambé that adds a touch of theatrical flair and caramelizes the sugars, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Serving this masterpiece over scoops of vanilla ice cream creates a dessert that is truly unforgettable. The warm, syrupy cherries mingle with the cool, creamy ice cream, creating a harmonious blend of textures and temperatures.

While flambéing may seem intimidating, it's surprisingly easy to do. And even if you choose to skip the flames, the delicious sauce will still be the star of the show.

So, gather your ingredients, dim the lights, and prepare to transport yourself back to a bygone era. With a little culinary magic, you can recreate the timeless elegance of Cherries Jubilee in your own kitchen.

P.S. Don't forget to share your culinary creations with me on social media! I'd love to see your Cherries Jubilee masterpieces. Find my socials on my Contact page and follow along for recipe posts, and tomfoolery.

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