Instructions
- 1
Almond dacquoise: fold almond flour and sugar into whipped whites. Bake 15 minutes. Cool.
- 2
Cherry-Amaretto insert: cook cherry puree with sugar and Amaretto. Dissolve gelatin. Cool. Freeze in insert ring until solid.
- 3
Almond mousse: soften marzipan in warm cream. Add gelatin and Amaretto. Cool to 25°C. Fold in whipped cream.
- 4
Assemble: pour almond mousse. Place cherry insert. Top with dacquoise. Freeze 10 hours.
- 5
Cherry mirror glaze: heat cherry puree. Dissolve gelatin. Add red coloring. Cool to 30°C.
- 6
Unmold and glaze. Refrigerate 3 hours.
- 7
Top with Amarena cherries in syrup. Scatter toasted almond flakes.
- 8
Drizzle cherry syrup over garnish.
Baker's Tip
Marzipan as the mousse flavoring rather than plain almond paste gives a more intense, slightly sweet almond flavor that pairs perfectly with the cherry Amaretto insert. The marzipan must be completely softened in the warm cream with no lumps before adding other ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Amarena cherries?
Amarena cherries are dark Italian sour cherries preserved in a thick, intensely flavored cherry syrup. They are less sweet than maraschino and far more complex — slightly tart, richly flavored and beautiful dark red. Available at Italian specialty stores and gourmet shops. The syrup itself is also useful for decorating.
Can I make this without Amaretto?
Replace Amaretto with a few drops of almond extract plus cherry juice for a non-alcoholic version. The almond flavor will be present but less complex and the cherry insert will be less sophisticated. For a full flavor substitute, Disaronno is the classic Amaretto brand.
How do I soften marzipan in cream without lumps?
Tear marzipan into small pieces first. Heat cream to nearly simmering and add marzipan pieces. Stir vigorously over low heat until completely dissolved — this takes 3-5 minutes of constant stirring. Strain through a fine sieve to catch any unmixed pieces before adding gelatin.
Can I use Kirschwasser instead of Amaretto?
Yes — Kirschwasser (cherry brandy) gives a more traditional German-style flavor profile. Reduce to 1 tablespoon as Kirschwasser is stronger and more pungent than Amaretto. The cherry-almond combination is slightly different but equally elegant.
About This Recipe
A decadent adult entremet combining Amaretto almond mousse with a dark cherry insert soaked in Amaretto liqueur, on an almond dacquoise, finished with a deep ruby mirror glaze. Sophisticated, complex and utterly memorable.
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