RECIPE: Warm Black Cherry Crisp

This is a great tasting dessert plus its refined sugar free. However, if this is not an issue for you, help yourself with a serving of your favorite ice cream (or try this recipe).

Warm Black Cherry Crisp

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4-6

Special equipment: 4 9-oz. oval cast iron mini-servers. (If unavailable, use a well-seasoned 10” cast iron skillet instead). 

Ingredients:

• 4½ c. frozen black cherries, thawed and chopped*

• ¼ c. honey, preferably local

• ½ t. ground cinnamon

• ½ t. ground allspice

• ¼ t. ground cloves

• 1 T. fresh thyme leaves

*Tip: Frozen cherries are much easier to use than fresh for this recipe. Place frozen cherries in a small strainer set over a large bowl to collect the liquid while thawing. Reserve the liquid to use in smoothies, cocktails, or non-alcoholic beverages. For example, you can combine some of the cherry juice with club soda and some crushed mint for a refreshing spritzer ;-)

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 c. old-fashioned rolled oats

• ½ c. almond flour

• ½  c. pecans, chopped

• 1/3 c. honey, preferably local

• 3 T. unsalted butter, melted

• 1/8 t. table salt

• 2 T. melted coconut oil (or olive oil)

Optional, to Serve:

Greek yogurt, homemade whipped cream, or sugar-free ice cream.
Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

Directions:

1. Place top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat oven to 350°F.

2. Combine thawed chopped cherries, honey, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and thyme leaves in a bowl. Toss to combine and set aside.

3. Combine the topping ingredients in a separate bowl and stir until oats are thoroughly coated and all ingredients are well combined. Set aside. 

4. Lightly grease the four 9-oz. oval cast iron baking dishes (or the 10” cast iron skillet) with coconut oil.

5. Divide the cherry mixture equally among the cast iron mini-servers and spread into an even layer. Divide the topping between the 4 mini-servers, as well, and spread into a thin layer on top.

6. Place into pre-heated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned and the cherry mixture is nice and bubbly.
   Tip: If using a 10” skillet, cover loosely with aluminum foil after 30 minutes and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

7. Remove from oven and set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving plain or topped with some Greek yogurt, whipped cream, and/or sugar-free ice cream. Garnish with a couple sprigs of fresh thyme, if desired.

Enjoy!