Spiced Cherry Soup

Ingredients

Flavor Sachet

• 1 stick cinnamon
• 1 star anise
• 1 whole clove
• 1 grated lime rind
• 1 grated lemon rind
• 1 grated orange rind

Soup

• 1 1/2 pounds fresh cherries, pitted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Garnish

• 1 pound cherries, pitted and halved
• 8 sprigs mint

Instructions

1. Place cinnamon stick, star anise, clove, and citrus zest in middle of a 4 inch square cheesecloth. Bring corners together to form a pouch and tie securely. Set aside.
2. Combine the cherries, 3 1/4 cups of water, and sugar in a large saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and add flavor sachet. Cover and let stand 2 hours to blend and bring out the flavors.
3. Remove sachet from soup. Pour soup into food processor and blend until smooth. Strain through large sieve into a large bowl.
4. Refrigerate for 3 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
5. Serve with garnish of mint sprig.

Makes 8 servings.