Cherries jubilee facts for kids
Cherries jubilee is a fancy and delicious dessert. It's made with sweet cherries and a special kind of sweet alcoholic drink called a liqueur (often kirschwasser). The most exciting part is that it's often prepared right at your table! This is called Gueridon service. The cherries and liqueur are set on fire, a process called flambé, and then served warm over cold vanilla ice cream.
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What is Cherries Jubilee?
Cherries jubilee is a classic dessert known for its dramatic presentation. Imagine warm, juicy cherries in a rich sauce, served over creamy vanilla ice cream. The unique flavor comes from the cherries, the liqueur, and the way it's cooked. When the liqueur is lit on fire, the alcohol burns off, leaving behind a wonderful, deep flavor. This dessert is a treat for both your taste buds and your eyes!
A Royal Dessert: Its History
The story of Cherries jubilee is quite interesting. This special dessert is usually credited to a famous French chef named Auguste Escoffier. He was known for creating many amazing dishes. It's believed he first made Cherries jubilee for one of Queen Victoria's big celebrations. This was likely her Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897. A "jubilee" is a special anniversary, and a Diamond Jubilee marks 60 years on the throne! So, this dessert was truly fit for a queen.
Who was Auguste Escoffier?
Auguste Escoffier was a very important chef in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He helped create many of the cooking methods and kitchen systems we still use today. He worked in famous hotels and restaurants, serving kings, queens, and other important people. His goal was to make cooking an art form and a respected profession. Cherries jubilee is just one example of his creative genius in the kitchen.
How is it Made?
Making Cherries jubilee involves a few key steps. First, fresh or canned cherries are gently cooked in a pan. Then, a liqueur, like kirschwasser (a cherry brandy), is added. Sugar and sometimes a little orange zest might also be included to enhance the flavor.
The "Flambé" Effect
The most exciting part of making Cherries jubilee is the "flambé." This is when the chef carefully lights the liqueur on fire in the pan. The flames rise up, creating a spectacular show! Don't worry, it's safe when done by a trained adult. The alcohol in the liqueur burns away quickly, leaving behind a rich, slightly smoky flavor. This process also helps to thicken the sauce slightly. Once the flames die down, the warm cherry sauce is ready to be spooned over scoops of cold vanilla ice cream. It's a perfect mix of hot and cold, sweet and tangy!
Other Flaming Desserts
Cherries jubilee isn't the only dessert that gets the "flambé" treatment. Many other fruit dishes are also prepared this way. They all offer a fun show and unique flavors. Some examples include:
- Bananas Foster: This dessert uses bananas flambéed with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and rum. It's often served with ice cream.
- Mangos diablo: This dish features mangos that are flambéed with tequila, giving them a zesty kick.
- Pêches Louis: For this dessert, peaches are flamed with whiskey, creating a warm and comforting flavor.
These desserts show how chefs can use fire to add excitement and deliciousness to fruit!
See Also
In Spanish: Cerezas jubileas para niños
