Kirsch

This hearty breakfast dish is served at The Ahwahnee Hotel.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Spoon these cherries over ice cream or pound cake, or serve them topped with whipped cream and biscotti.

Schwarzwälder Torte Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 4 hr (includes cooling meringues)

Begin preparing this one day ahead.

This beautiful torte can be prepared three days before serving.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 2 hr

Flambéing was all the rage in the '40s, not only for its drama but also for its utility — chafing dishes let the cook go home early and let the host or hostess show off in the dining room. Everyone's heard of cherries Jubilee, but we prefer strawberries set aflame in boozy syrup.

Summer's luscious cherries topped with oats, almonds, brown sugar and cinnamon.

Brown sugar, almonds and oats combine for a crunchy topping in this lovely dessert. A touch of kirsch, a clear cherry brandy, enhances the fruit.

A classic flavor combination-chocolate and cherries-turns everyday vanilla ice cream into a special dessert. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.

This lovely dessert combines the flavors of cherries jubilee in an easier rendition of the classic recipe.

Lightly sweetened whipped cream is a nice addition to this delicious dessert.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.