Cherries Jubilee Recipe

Cherries: Fresh or frozen, these provide the main flavor and texture for the dish.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the cherries.

Kirsch: A cherry-flavored brandy that enhances the cherry flavor and is used for flambéing.

Brandy: An alternative to kirsch, also used for flambéing.

Lemon juice: Adds a touch of acidity to brighten the flavors.

Cornstarch: Optional, used to thicken the sauce if desired.

Water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry for thickening.

Vanilla ice cream: The perfect creamy base to serve the warm cherries and sauce over.

When preparing cherries jubilee, ensure that the cherries are evenly coated with sugar and lemon juice in the skillet. This helps to release their natural juices and creates a more flavorful sauce. If you choose to use cornstarch for thickening, make sure to mix it thoroughly with water to avoid lumps. When adding the kirsch or brandy, remove the skillet from the heat to prevent accidental flare-ups. Use a long lighter or match to ignite the alcohol safely, and let the flames subside naturally before serving over vanilla ice cream.

• fresh or frozen pitted cherries - Substitute with pitted plums: Plums have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and can add a slight floral note to the dish.

• kirsch or brandy - Substitute with rum: Rum offers a similar depth of flavor and can be used to flambé the dish.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and brightness to the dish.

• cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a great thickening agent and works similarly to cornstarch.

• water - Substitute with apple juice: Apple juice can add a slight sweetness and additional flavor to the thickening mixture.

• vanilla ice cream - Substitute with coconut ice cream: Coconut ice cream offers a creamy texture and a unique flavor that pairs well with the fruit.

• Refrigeration:

  1. Allow the cherries jubilee to cool completely at room temperature.
  2. Transfer the cherries and sauce into an airtight container.
  3. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  4. When ready to serve, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Avoid boiling to maintain the texture of the cherries.

• Freezing:

  1. Ensure the cherries jubilee has cooled completely.
  2. Pour the cherries and sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
  3. Seal the container tightly and label it with the date.
  4. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  5. To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight.
  6. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries are heated through.

• Serving Tips:

  1. For an extra touch, warm the vanilla ice cream scoops slightly before serving to create a delightful contrast with the cold cherries jubilee.
  2. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

• Additional Notes:

  1. If you plan to store or freeze the cherries jubilee, consider omitting the flambé step initially. You can flambé the kirsch or brandy when reheating for a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
  2. Ensure that the container used for freezing is freezer-safe to prevent any unwanted flavors or freezer burn.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the leftover cherries jubilee in a small saucepan.
  2. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Once the cherries are warmed through and the sauce is bubbling gently, remove from heat.
  4. Serve immediately over fresh scoops of vanilla ice cream.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the cherries jubilee to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate to prevent splattering.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Once heated through, serve over vanilla ice cream.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the cherries jubilee in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil.
  3. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cherries are warmed through.
  4. Carefully remove from the oven and serve over vanilla ice cream.

• Double Boiler Method:

  1. Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring to a simmer.
  2. Place the cherries jubilee in the top pot of the double boiler.
  3. Stir occasionally until the cherries are heated through and the sauce is warm.
  4. Serve immediately over vanilla ice cream.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Place the cherries jubilee in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method.
  2. Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 30 minutes.
  4. Remove from the bag and serve over vanilla ice cream.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the cherries and sauce over medium heat.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the cherries, sugar, and kirsch or brandy accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring the lemon juice and cornstarch precisely.

• Lighter or match: Needed to ignite the kirsch or brandy for the flambé process.

• Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in the skillet.

• Small bowl: Used to mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry if thickening the sauce.

• Ice cream scooper: Handy for scooping the vanilla ice cream into bowls.

• Serving bowls: Used to serve the finished cherries jubilee over the ice cream.

Use frozen cherries: Opt for frozen cherries instead of fresh to save time on pitting and washing.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the sugar, lemon juice, and kirsch or brandy beforehand to streamline the cooking process.

Make a cornstarch slurry: If using cornstarch, prepare the slurry in advance to quickly thicken the sauce.

Use a high-quality vanilla ice cream: Choose a premium vanilla ice cream to enhance the dessert without extra effort.

Flambé safely: Have a long lighter or match ready to quickly and safely ignite the kirsch or brandy.