Bittersweet Chocolate-Cherry Sorbet with Fresh Cherry Compote

Tart-sweet cherry and strong dark chocolate flavors meld beautifully in this surprisingly rich sorbet crowned with juicy fresh cherries. Use a high-quality jam for the sorbet, and be sure to start the process a day ahead for the best flavor and texture.

• Sorbet:
• 3/4 cup red cherry jam (such as Bonne Maman)
• 1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa
• 1/4 cup sugar $
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups water
• Compote:
• 1/4 cup sugar $
• 1 pound fresh Bing or tart cherries, pitted and halved

Preparation

1. 1. To prepare sorbet, combine first 4 ingredients in a heavy saucepan, stirring with a whisk. Gradually add 2 cups water, stirring with a whisk. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring well with a whisk. Cool to room temperature; cover and chill overnight.
2. 2. Stir sorbet mixture with a whisk. Pour mixture into the freezer can of an ice-cream freezer; freeze according to manufacturer's instructions. Spoon sorbet into a freezer-safe container; cover and freeze 1 hour or until firm.
3. 3. To prepare compote, combine 1/4 cup sugar and cherries; toss well. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour. Serve compote with sorbet.

Note: Dutch process cocoa is richer, darker and less acidic than regular cocoa. Look for it in the grocery store alongside the regular cocoa.