Chocolate and Cherry Sauce

Directions

1. If using canned cherries, drain them, reserving 3 tablespoons of syrup. If using fresh cherries, stem but don't pit the cherries.
2. PRE-COOK THE CHERRIES (or see the note below about cooking pitted and chopped cherries directly with the chocolates). In a heavy, lidded pot with a wide bottom -- a deep skillet with a good tight lid will do -- put the cherries and enough water just to cover the bottom layer of cherries. Heat to a simmer, cover and let cook for two minutes. Turn off the heat, without removing the cover, and let sit for another 2 minutes. Then remove the cherries with a slotted spoon to a bowl or measuring cup and set aside. (You should have about 2 cups of cherries.)
3. While the cherries are cooling, reduce the liquid in the pan by cooking over a medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, or until only 2 to 3 tablespoons remain.
4. MELT THE CHOCOLATE TO START THE SAUCE: In a heavy saucepan, combine the chocolate chips with the reserved syrup. Gradually add the cocoa powder to the pan, along with the star grains of paradise, stirring all the while to combine.
5. IF USING FRESH CHERRIES: When the cherries are cool enough to handle, break them in two with your fingers -- it should be very easy -- and remove the pits, then drop the cherry halves into the pan with the chocolate sauce. You can also tear the pieces in two while removing the pits, and then chop the halves into smaller bits, if you like. IF USING PITTED CANNED CHERRIES: Coarsely chop the cherries and add to the pan with the chocolate sauce.
6. COOK THE SAUCE: Turn on the heat and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring all the while. (If using fresh cherries, pour into the saucepan, right after you've turned on the heat, the juice that collected in the bowl in which the cherries cooled.) Add the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Turn off the heat, and let sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
7. TASTE TEST FOR SWEETNESS AND SPICE: Test for sugar and add some, if you like. (I have found that about a tablespoon of turbinado sugar is plenty, but it depends on how sweet the cherries are.) If you’ve added more sugar , heat the sauce again until it just barely starts to simmer, stirring all the while. Let cool, taste and adjust, if necessary.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store covered in the fridge, or freeze.
9. Enjoy!! ;o)
10. TO MAKE THIS BY PITTING AND CHOPPING THE CHERRIES WHEN RAW: You can also make this sauce without pre-cooking the cherries by pitting them and then chopping them, or not, as you wish. Melt the chocolate chips, add the cherries and juice, heat until the cherries release a bit more juice, then add the cocoa and the star anise. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, stirring all the while. Let sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Then proceed with Step 7, above. ;o)
11. REMOVING PITS FROM COOKED CHERRIES: I'm right handed and find that it works well to pick up four or five cherries in my left hand, holding one between my left thumb and index finger at a time, using my right hand to pull out the pit.