SEVEN OR LESS
Fresh cherries tempt dessert makers

Associated Press

Bing cherry season is the time to dip into the cherry baskets — or to dip the cherries themselves into one or more of the easy dipping sauces suggested here. No need to pit the cherries before serving.

Filling a big bowl with the fruit, and placing a choice of dips around it, would make a colorful centerpiece not only for dessert but also for a bridal shower, afternoon tea, weekend brunch or barbecue.

This sauce has a Sunday brunch flavor.

Ginger Orange Creme Fraiche

• 1/2 cup creme fraiche
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons orange-juice concentrate
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger
• Cherries for dipping

In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients, except cherries. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Makes about 1 cup.

Nutrition information per serving (2 tablespoons): 75 cal., 0 g pro., 6 g fat, 7 g carbo., 20 mg chol., 0 g fiber, 5 mg sodium.

Cherries and chocolate are a classic dessert combination.

Cherry Chocolate Sauce

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4-ounce bar German sweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Kirsch (cherry brandy)
• Cherries for dipping

Heat cream and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add chocolate and simmer, stirring frequently, until melted. Stir in Kirsch. Pour into a small bowl and let cool.

Makes about 1 1/4 cups.

Nutrition information per serving (2 tablespoons): 120 cal., 1 g pro., 10 g fat, 8 g carbo., 20 mg chol., 0 g fiber, 30 mg sodium.

This smooth sauce has a delicately nutty flavor.

White Chocolate Almond Sauce

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4-ounce bar white chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur
• Cherries for dipping

Heat cream and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add white chocolate and simmer, stirring frequently, until melted. Stir in Amaretto. Pour into a small bowl and let cool.

Makes about 1 1/4 cups.

Nutrition information per serving (2 tablespoons): 130 cal., 1 g pro., 10 g fat, 8 g carbo., 25 mg chol., 0 g fiber, 40 mg sodium.

The simplest prep of all has a sweet wine overtone.

Marsala Cream

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon Marsala
• Cherries for dipping

Beat cream and powdered sugar in a small bowl until soft peaks form. Add Marsala and beat until stiff peaks form.

Makes about 1 cup.

Nutrition information per serving (2 tablespoons): 60 cal., 0 g pro., 6 g fat, 2 g carbo., 20 mg chol., 0 g fiber, 5 mg sodium.

(Recipes developed for AP by the California Bing Cherry Promotion Group)