Cherries Poached in Red Wine w/Mascarpone Cream

BY QUICK FROM SCRATCH ITALIAN (foodandwine.com)
(makes 4 servings)
2 1/4cups red wine
1cup sugar
1 1-by-3-inch strip orange zest
2lbs sweet cherries, halved & pitted
1cup mascarpone cheese
2 1/2tbsps honey
Directions:
1. In a medium stainless-steel saucepan, combine the wine, sugar, & orange zest. Bring to a simmer over moderately high heat.
2. Add the cherries & bring back to a simmer.
3. Reduce the heat & simmer, partially covered, until the cherries are just tender, about 5min.
4. Pour into a glass or stainless-steel bowl so the cherries don"t overcook.
5. In a small bowl, combine the mascarpone w/the honey.
6. Remove the strip of orange zest from the cherries.
7. Serve the warm cherries & syrup in bowls or stemmed glasses, topped with a large dollop of the mascarpone cream.
*Notes: for those lactose intolerant. cherries can be served without the mascarpone cream (and w/lactose-free ice cream. or by itself);
alternatively, for those who can have lactose, you can also subsitute the marscapone for whipped cream or iced cream

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/cherries-poached-in-red-wine-with-mascarpone-cream