Grilling cherries jubilee on a cedar plank is a delightful way to add smoky flavor to this classic dessert. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it by Papa Ken at Maine Grilling Products.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup cherry liqueur (e.g., Cherry Brandy)
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 Cedar plank
Instructions:
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Prepare the Cedar Plank:
- Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour to prevent it from burning on the grill. This will also infuse your dessert with a subtle cedar aroma.
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Prepare the Cherries:
- Pit the cherries and cut them in half.
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Prepare the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C).
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Prepare the Cherries Jubilee Sauce:
- In a skillet or heatproof pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the halved cherries to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the cherries and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sugar starts to caramelize and the cherries release their juices.
- Carefully add the cherry liqueur and dark rum to the pan. Be cautious as the alcohol can ignite; you can use a long lighter to flambé the mixture or let it simmer until the alcohol cooks off, about 3-4 minutes.
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Prepare the Cedar Plank:
- Remove the soaked cedar plank from the water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Place the cherry mixture in the center of the cedar plank.
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Grill the Cherries Jubilee:
- Carefully place the cedar plank with the cherry mixture onto the preheated grill.
- Close the grill lid and let the cherries cook for about 10-15 minutes. The heat from the grill and the cedar plank will infuse the cherries with smoky flavor.
- Check the cherries occasionally and rotate the plank if needed to ensure even cooking.
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Serve:
- Once the cherries are soft and have soaked up some smoky flavor, remove the cedar plank from the grill.
- Serve the grilled cherries jubilee over vanilla ice cream or pound cake, spooning any remaining sauce from the plank over the top.
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Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream if desired, and enjoy your delicious grilled cherries jubilee with a unique smoky twist!
Grilling cherries jubilee on a cedar plank adds a fantastic smoky depth to this classic dessert, making it a memorable and delicious treat for any summer gathering. Enjoy! Papa Ken