Tart Cherry Cocktail Food

CHERRY AND SMOKE

Steps:

• In a small heatproof bowl, combine the tea and the water, then cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Stir in the cherry juice, then immediately fine-strain into a snifter. Squeeze the lemon twist over the drink to express its oils, then discard. Serve warm.
• Batch for 6:
• In a medium heatproof bowl, combine 1 tablespoon tea and 2 ¼ cups water, then cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Stir in 2¼ cups cherry juice and immediately fine-strain into 6 snifters (or, honestly, whatever glasses you have). Squeeze lemon twists over each drink (2 will do you), then discard. Serve warm.

CHERRY TART

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees F/180 degrees C
• For the pastry: Put the flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Add the butter pieces, and pinch with the fingers to create a crumb texture. Make a well in the middle, and add the eggs. Quickly work in the flour mixture to create dough. Do not over-mix. Pat into a disk and refrigerate 15 minutes before rolling out. Fit into a 9-inch tart pan.
• For the filling: Arrange the cherries in the crust. Beat the eggs with the sugar, and then stir in the creme fraiche and vanilla. Pour the custard over the cherries. Bake until set, about 25 minutes. Cool before serving.

CHERRY BAKEWELL COCKTAIL

Steps:

• Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes. Combine the amaretto, cordial and lemon juice in a small jug, then divide between the glasses. Top with lemonade, then stir well. Garnish with a maraschino cherry, if you like.