Cherries Jubilee Mascarpone Crostini

Ingredients

• •1 baguette, thinly sliced and toasted
• •8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
• •1 pound fresh dark sweet cherries, pitted
• •1/4 cup granulated sugar
• •2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• •2 tablespoons brandy (optional, for flambé)
• •1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• •1 teaspoon orange zest
• •Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
• •Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)

Prep Steps

1. 1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Set aside to cool.
2. 2In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and unsalted butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries are softened and the sauce has slightly thickened, about 8-10 minutes.
3. 3If using brandy, carefully add it to the warm cherry mixture. Ignite with a long match and allow the flames to subside completely. Remove from heat.
4. 4Spread a generous layer of softened mascarpone cheese onto each toasted crostini.
5. 5Spoon the warm Cherries Jubilee mixture over the mascarpone-topped crostini.
6. 6Garnish each crostini with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest and a few fresh mint leaves. For an extra gourmet touch, drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze.
7. 7Serve immediately while the cherry mixture is still warm.