Red wine cherries are a simple, grown-up dessert where fruit is gently simmered in red wine with sugar and aromatics until glossy, soft, and deeply flavored. The cherries’ dark, winey richness pairs beautifully with cold vanilla ice cream for contrast, or with a tangy goat cheese and mascarpone mousse for something more elegant and savory-sweet. It’s an effortlessly impressive dish that feels both cozy and refined.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red wine (use pomegranate or cherry juice for an alcohol free version)
• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 3 cups pitted cherries
• 3 oz plain goat cheese, softened
• 3 oz mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Prepare the cherries (6 hours up to the day before):

• Place the cherries in a large non reactive bowl and reserve.
• In a medium saucepan, heat the red wine and 1/2 cup sugar over medium heat, until the wine is hot and the sugar is dissolved. Pour the wine over the cherries. Let cool to room temperature, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.

Prepare the mousse:

• In a large bowl, whip until smooth the softened goat cheese and mascarpone cheese. Set aside. In another large bowl, whisk the heavy whipping cream with the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar until medium soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture.
• Divide evenly among ramekins or bowls, along with the red wine cherries.

Recipe from Danielle