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