A Southern Grace: "pretty please...

October 6, 2014

"pretty please...

Yum

...with a cherry on top." So many times, the promise of that cherry makes all the difference and suddenly, like magic, the person you're asking to do something for you is willing to do it.


I don't know about you, but those maraschino cherries that are usually present on top of sundaes aren't very appealing to me. I prefer fresh, fleshy cherries, even though they can be a hassle to pit. I love cherries in cobblers and cupcakes, but I think I might just feel that they're at their best with a crisp topping.

I got a little bit lazy here and used a Krusteaz crisp topping mix, but I'm thrilled to report that it's excellently made and not even the keenest palate would be able to tell that I didn't put those dry ingredients together myself. I did add some sliced almonds because I like cherries and almonds together, but that was easy.

That's the stuff.

This is a dessert that comes together quickly--it takes longer to bake than to make. Let the crisp sit for a few minutes after you pull it out of the oven so it can get good and crunchy before you plop huge scoops of vanilla ice cream on top. This is best when it's eaten soon after baking, so find some people who are really good to you (or from whom you need a favor) and share.

Cherry Crisp for a Couple of Couples
Serves 2 pairs
Ingredients:
  • 4 cups tart cherries, pitted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Bit o' lemon juice
  • 1 package Krusteaz crisp topping mix
  • 5 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease 8x8-inch or 7x11-inch baking pan.
Place full pouch crisp topping mix in medium bowl.
Using a fork, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.
Stir in the sliced almonds.
Toss the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice together in a large bowl.
Pour into prepared pan. Evenly sprinkle prepared crisp topping mixture over fruit.
Bake 40-45 minutes or until fruit is bubbly and topping is golden brown.
Serve warm, preferably with ice cream...and a cherry on top.

20 comments:

Angie's Recipes said...

That's what I call a treat! It looks marvelous, Grace.

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Droolworthy! I am a sucker for crisps/crumbles.

Cheers,

Rosa

Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic said...

I love cherries and stock up on frozen sweet red cherries when it's not in season. This crumble sounds perfect!

lisa is cooking said...

Cherries and almonds are such a great pairing. And, I love pitting cherries. Wish I could have this breakfast this morning.

Alicia Foodycat said...

This looks great!

Pam said...

I love cherries in desserts. This crisp look mouth watering delicious!

Emily said...

Oooh cherry crisp sounds gooood. I love cherries and almonds together too!

Barbara said...

I finally bought a cherry pitter! After all these years. Too funny. Well, now I can make cherry anything easily. This looks divine. Can I have ice cream on top?
( Dawn at Vanilla Sugar has some cinnamon cookies on her blog that reminded me of you)

Katerina said...

I love the crispy talk!

Von said...

Never really got the pretty please with a cherry on top thing :P Not a huge fan of maraschino cherries either, though their colour always seems to make desserts look more pretty and colourful!Your cherry crisp sounds amazing!

Joanne said...

I'm with you...maraschinos just don't do it for me. But a crumble topping always does!

I Wilkerson said...

Wow, I haven't made a crisp yet this fall--where have I been? I agree with you on the fresh versus maraschino cherries.

Erica said...

I love a good crisp!!!They are the perfect dessert on a cold day. Yours looks delicious, Grace!

~~louise~~ said...

Hi Grace:)
Definitely a difference in cherry goodness! I've used the Krusteaz mixes in a pinch. I didn't know about the toppings. I'll have to check that out! Thanks!

And thank you for sharing this yummy cherry crisp. Now, let me see, if I promised to bake this for the roofing guys do you think they'll do a better job:)

Thanks for sharing Grace...

Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies said...

Oh but you are so much more patient than me if you are pitting cherries! Your dessert looks delicious, and I can tell it was worth it :)

Juliana said...

What a beautiful cherry crisp...I love the addition of almond...and yes, ice cream!
Enjoy your week Grace :D

Unknown said...

Great idea, I love that it's for a 'couple of couples'!

Anonymous said...

cherry crisps hot out of the oven are such beauties...alas we get fresh cherries for a very short time during the year....so making all kinds of cherry treats is a must during the time...this time it will be this moreish recipe you have shared,thanks :-)

Savor The Baking said...

If you love fresh cherries you will love the rainier cherries here in Washington state. This dessert looks delicious and the ice cream on the side makes it even better.

Lisa-Marie said...

This is basically my idea of heaven. It's bakewell crumble. I want to eat it right now.