How to grill Cherries Jubilee on a cedar plank

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:

1. 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.

2. Prepare the Cherries:

   • Pit the cherries and cut them in half.

3. Prepare the Grill:

   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C).

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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