How to Make Cherries Jubilee: A Decadent Dessert Guide
Cherries Jubilee is a classic dessert where fresh or canned cherries are flambéed with brandy or kirsch and served warm, often over vanilla ice cream. The process involves creating a rich sauce with fruit, sugar, and liquor, then carefully setting it aflame for a dramatic and delicious finish.
The Allure of Cherries Jubilee: A Dessert Steeped in History
Cherries Jubilee isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. This elegant dish, rumored to have been created by Auguste Escoffier for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, combines the simple pleasure of ripe cherries with the theatrical flair of flambé. Its enduring popularity lies in its balance of flavors: the sweet-tart cherries, the warm alcoholic notes, and the cool creaminess of the ice cream. It’s a perfect ending to a special meal, a celebration captured in a bowl. Beyond its taste and presentation, Cherries Jubilee offers a surprisingly approachable way to dabble in the art of flambé, demystifying a technique that many find intimidating.
Assembling Your Ingredients: Quality is Key
The success of Cherries Jubilee hinges on the quality of its ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cherries: Fresh (pitted) or canned (pitted, in heavy syrup). Fresh cherries are ideal when in season, offering superior flavor. If using canned, drain them well.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar works perfectly.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and a smooth texture to the sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice balances the sweetness.
- Brandy or Kirsch: The key ingredient for flambé. Brandy provides a warm, caramel-like flavor, while Kirsch (cherry liqueur) enhances the cherry essence. Ensure the alcohol content is at least 40% ABV for proper flambé.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic accompaniment. High-quality vanilla ice cream will complement the flavors beautifully.
- Cornstarch (optional): To thicken the sauce if necessary.
The Jubilee Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to create this stunning dessert:
- Prepare the Cherries: If using fresh cherries, pit them thoroughly. Drain canned cherries, reserving a little of the syrup.
- Create the Sauce Base: In a skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Incorporate the Cherries: Add the cherries (and a tablespoon or two of the reserved syrup, if using canned) and lemon juice. Simmer for a few minutes, allowing the cherries to soften slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Sauce (optional): If the sauce is too thin, whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water. Gradually add the slurry to the pan, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Warm the Liquor: In a separate small saucepan, gently warm the brandy or kirsch. Do not boil. Heating the liquor allows it to ignite more readily.
- Flambé with Caution: Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully pour the warmed liquor over the cherries. Using a long-handled lighter or match, ignite the alcohol.
- Enjoy the Spectacle: Allow the flames to burn out naturally. Gently stir the cherries to ensure they are evenly coated in the remaining sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Spoon the warm cherries Jubilee over scoops of vanilla ice cream. Garnish with a cherry and a sprig of mint, if desired.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even with a straightforward recipe, mistakes can happen. Here are some common issues and how to prevent them:
- Failure to Flambé: Make sure the liquor is adequately warmed. A cold liquid won’t ignite easily. Also, ensure the alcohol content is high enough (at least 40% ABV). Using an open flame in a well-ventilated area is crucial for safety.
- Thin Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, a cornstarch slurry can help. Add it gradually and stir constantly to avoid lumps. Alternatively, simmer the sauce for a longer period to allow it to reduce naturally.
- Burnt Taste: Avoid overheating the sugar at the beginning, as it can caramelize too quickly and develop a bitter flavor. Use medium heat and stir frequently.
- Overcooked Cherries: Don’t simmer the cherries for too long, especially if using canned. They should be heated through but not mushy.
- Safety Concerns: Always exercise caution when flambéing. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and ensure there are no flammable materials nearby. Do not pour the liquor directly from the bottle; use a small saucepan or ladle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H4 Can I make Cherries Jubilee without alcohol?
Yes, you can. Substitute the brandy or kirsch with cherry juice or a non-alcoholic vanilla extract. While you won’t get the flambé effect or the distinctive alcoholic flavor, you’ll still have a delicious cherry sauce.
H4 What’s the best type of brandy to use for Cherries Jubilee?
A good quality VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) brandy works well. It offers a balanced flavor that complements the cherries without overpowering them. Avoid extremely expensive brandies, as the nuances of their flavor will be lost in the flambé process.
H4 Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, frozen cherries can be used, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the pan. Frozen cherries might release more water during cooking, so you might need to simmer the sauce for a longer period to thicken it.
H4 How do I safely flambé the cherries?
First, ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area and have a fire extinguisher readily available. Never pour the alcohol directly from the bottle into the hot pan. Warm the liquor in a separate saucepan and pour it carefully over the cherries. Use a long-handled lighter or match to ignite the alcohol.
H4 How long does Cherries Jubilee last?
Cherries Jubilee is best served immediately after preparation. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving. Note that the texture of the cherries may soften upon refrigeration.
H4 Can I make Cherries Jubilee ahead of time?
You can prepare the cherry sauce without the alcohol ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and warm it gently before adding the warmed brandy or kirsch and flambéing just before serving.
H4 What other desserts can I serve Cherries Jubilee with?
While vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing, Cherries Jubilee also pairs well with pound cake, angel food cake, or even waffles and pancakes for a decadent brunch.
H4 What are some variations of Cherries Jubilee?
Experiment with adding other spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves, to the sauce for a warmer flavor. You can also incorporate other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a mixed berry jubilee.
H4 Can I use a different type of alcohol for flambé?
Yes, other high-proof liquors, such as rum or bourbon, can be used for flambé. However, the flavor profile will change. Choose an alcohol that complements the cherries.
H4 My Cherries Jubilee is too sweet. How can I fix it?
Add a little more lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar to balance the sweetness. You can also use less sugar in the initial preparation.
H4 The flames went out too quickly. What happened?
This usually indicates that the liquor wasn’t warm enough or that the alcohol content was too low. Make sure to warm the liquor gently before pouring it over the cherries and use an alcohol with at least 40% ABV.
H4 How do I choose the best cherries for Cherries Jubilee?
For fresh cherries, look for firm, plump, and shiny cherries with a deep red color. Bing cherries are a popular choice for their sweetness and flavor. For canned cherries, opt for those packed in heavy syrup for a richer sauce.