This is one of those happy accidents that comes from having stuff on hand, playing around with it, and surprisingly making something good out of a bout of sheer curiosity.
Brandied Cherry-Orange Compote
1 cup cherries, pitted and quartered
juice from one orange and zest
1/3 cup cane sugar
1 pinch of sea salt
Soak the cherries in the brandy for at least 2 days in the fridge. Add this to a saucepan along with the sugar, the orange's juice, sugar, and salt. Heat it on medium for 20 minutes or so until reduced. Cool and then blend it to a smooth consistency. Keep for up to a week in the fridge and have it on your morning toast or with ricotta French toast sandwiches...or do as we did and immediately pour it into a chocolate-cherry tart with orange zest.
