CHERRIES POACHED IN RED WINE WITH MASCARPONE CREAM (for four)
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
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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 from the cherries. Serve the warm cherries and syrup in bowls or stemmed glasses, topped with a large dollop of the mascarpone cream.
from Food and Wine Magazine