Chocolate Cherry Charlottes

• 2/3 cup dried sour cherries
• 1/4 cup kirsch
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 to 3 drops almond extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 1/2 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), chopped
• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 fresh loaves challah or large brioche (about 1 1/2 lb total), sliced 1/2 inch thick
• Accompaniment: lightly sweetened whipped cream
• Special equipment: a 2-inch round cookie cutter; 6 (5- to 6-oz) charlotte molds* or ramekins

1. Bring cherries, kirsch, and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally.
2. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 15 minutes.
3. Stir in almond extract.
4. Heat cream, chocolate, and a pinch of salt in another small heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring, until chocolate is melted and smooth, about 3 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and add 1 tablespoon butter, stirring until incorporated, then stir in cooked cherries with any liquid.
6. Transfer filling to a metal bowl and freeze, stirring occasionally, until firm but not frozen solid, about 2 1/2 hours.
7. Preheat oven to 350F.
8. Cut out 12 rounds from bread slices with cookie cutter, then cut 42 (2- by 1 1/2-inch) rectangles from trimmings and remaining slices.
9. Spread 1 side of each round and rectangle with some of remaining butter.
10. Put 6 rounds, buttered sides down, in molds and line sides with rectangles (5 to 7 per mold), buttered sides against mold, arranging them vertically and slightly overlapping, pressing gently to adhere.
11. Trim any overhang flush with rims.
12. Divide filling among molds and top with 6 remaining bread rounds, buttered sides up, pressing gently to fit inside bread rim.
13. Bake charlottes in molds on a baking sheet in middle of oven until bread is golden, about 25 minutes.
14. Cool 5 minutes, then invert plates over charlottes and invert charlottes onto plates.
15. Serve warm.
16. Available at Broadway Panhandler (866-266-5927 or 212-966-3434).

sour cherries, sugar, heavy cream, bittersweet chocolate, unsalted butter, loaves, whipped cream, cutter

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/chocolate-cherry-charlottes-106082 (may not work)