This savory/sweet appetizer is a perfect intro to a romantic evening. I’m sure you won’t forget to complement the Asiago cheese with a yummy flatbread and a nice wine (see suggestion below). Happy Valentine’s Day!

Prep time: 45 to 55 mins (for the coulis)
Makes: 3 to 3-1/2 cups

Ingredients:
3 cups unsweetened cranberry juice (not to be confused with cranberry juice cocktail)
1-1/3 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark Balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup dried, pitted cherries
1-1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl
One 6-ounce Asiago cheese wedge
3 to 6 fresh cherries (for garnish)
Flatbread or your favorite crackers

1. In a 4-quart saucepot, stir together the cranberry juice, sugar and Balsamic vinegar. Bring to a boil and simmer on low heat for approximately 45 to 50 minutes or until mixture reduces to about 2-1/2 cups.

2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir to combine the dried cherries with 1-1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Add the cherry mixture to the cranberry juice and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until cherries puff up.

3. Gradually stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for about 1 minute or until the coulis has thickened. If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in an additional teaspoon of cornstarch premixed with cold water.

4. Set the hot coulis in the saucepot aside, covered, on a kitchen counter to cool completely. Refrigerate the coulis for at least 4 hours or overnight.

At serving time, place cheese wedge on a plate and drizzle the coulis over it. Garnish the plate with fresh cherries; serve with flatbread or crackers and lots of wine!

Red Wine suggestion: Bordeaux or Brunello
Text and Photograph ©2013 Nancy DeLucia Real