The subtle addition of the pink peppercorns into the compote and the crust will help cut through the richness of the cream cheese and the brightness of the cherries. Whoever you’re feeding this to may not exactly be able to put their finger on what spice they’re sensing, but a delicious mystery is always a good thing.
Recipe by Dan Clapson using a mystery ingredient – pink peppercorns – from a Chopped Canada challenge.
ingredients
Cherry Compote
Graham Cracker and Walnut Crum
Cheesecake Filling & Assembly
directions
Place the first 6 ingredients in a medium pan and bring to a simmer on medium-high heat. Let cook until cherries start to break down and liquid reduces by half, about 10 minutes.
Remove cardamom pod and place contents of pan into a blender along with remaining ingredients. Puree until very smooth.
Return to pan and cook until thickened, approximately 2 minutes.
Transfer to a bowl and place in the refrigerator to cool.
Yield: 2 cups compote.
Place the first 3 ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse until you have a fine mixture.
Transfer to medium bowl, add in melted butter and stir until well incorporated. Set aside for now.
Yield: 2 1/4 cups.
Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor and mix until volumized and very smooth.
Spoon out into a large ziploc bag and let chill in the refrigerator until needed.
Yield: 2 1/2 cups.
Assembly: Scatter a couple spoonfuls of the crumb onto a plate.
Cut one corner off of the bag of the cream cheese filling and pipe 5 large dots, spaced out on top of the crumb.
Add two spoonfuls of the chilled cherry compote to the plate.
Garnish with torn basil leaves and serve!