Although this unusual risotto could be served with Parmesan cheese shaved over the top as a savory side dish, it’s at its best as a dessert. Serve it warm and topped off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some sweetened whipped cream. Gobble it all up before the ice cream has a chance to melt.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4

　　1 cup Arborio rice

　　2 tablespoons butter

　　2 cups dry, fruity red wine

　　2 cups water

　　4 ounces dried, pitted tart cherries

　　1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

　　

Step 1

Rinse the rice thoroughly, then place the rice, butter, wine, water, and cherries in the slow cooker insert.

　　

Step 2

Cover and cook on high for about 2 hours, or until the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed.

　　

Step 3

Remove the cover and stir in the cream. Serve warm.

　　

Suggested Beverage

Step 4

I, personally, wouldn’t drink wine with this dish, but would prefer to savor every bite, then follow it with an espresso. However, dessert or ice wine might complement the dish if you’d like to try it.

　　Gourmet Vegetarian Slow Cooker