MARASCHINO CHERRY PARFAITS

Maraschino Cherry Parfaits image

Provided by Claire Saffitz

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 15

For the homemade maraschino cherries:
3 pounds fresh cherries, pits removed
1 1/3 cups sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup Luxardo maraschino liqueur or kirsch (clear cherry brandy)
1 teaspoon almond extract
For the parfaits:
2 1/2 cups plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
2 1/2 cups sour cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Pinch of kosher salt
8 vanilla meringue cookies, broken into pieces
1 pound fresh cherries, pits removed
Special Equipment
A heatproof 1-quart jar

Steps:

Make the Maraschino cherries:
Set a mesh sieve over a medium bowl. Bring cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and 2/3 cup water to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally; cook until cherries have released their juices and are softened but still intact, 20-25 minutes. Pour cherries into prepared sieve, letting juices collect in bowl. Set cherries aside.
Return juices to same saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook until liquid is reduced to 1 1/2 cups (it will be a thin syrup at this point), 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat, add reserved cherries, and stir in liqueur and almond extract. Transfer maraschino cherries to jar, cover, and chill at least 24 hours before using.
To assemble:
Whisk yogurt, sour cream, powdered sugar, and salt in a large bowl until smooth; fold in meringue cookies.
Layer maraschino cherries, fresh cherries, and yogurt mixture into 8 glasses, dividing evenly.
Do Ahead
Maraschino cherries can be made 2 weeks ahead. Keep chilled.