Stewed Cherries on Bread

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds fresh cherries
• sour or sweet
• Sugar to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Four 3/4-inch-thick slices good French or Italian bread (if the bread is small
• use 8 or even 12 slices)
• Butter as needed
• Sweetened whipped cream for serving
• optional

Instructions

1. Pit the cherries over a bowl to catch as much of the juice as you can.
2. Combine the cherries and juice in a saucepan with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 cup water.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the cherries are tender, about 15 minutes.
4. Taste and add more sugar if necessary, along with lemon juice to taste.
5. Cool for 15 minutes or so.
6. Put the bread on a baking sheet and dot with butter; sprinkle lightly with sugar.
7. Run under the broiler (or use a toaster oven) until the butter and sugar both melt.
8. Divide the bread among 4 plates.
9. Spoon some of the cherry juice over each piece and let soak in for a few minutes.
10. Top with the cherries and, if you like, some whipped cream.