Flaming Cherries Jubilee

1 (16-ounce) can pitted dark sweet cherries

¼ cup rum

¼ cup currant jelly

½ teaspoon grated orange peel

½ teaspoon almond extract

¼ cup brandy

½ gallon vanilla ice cream

Drain the cherries, reserving ¼ cup of the juice. In a 1½-quart microwave-safe dish with lid, combine the cherries, the reserved juice, the rum, jelly, orange peel, and almond extract, mixing well. Microwave, covered, on high 5 to 6 minutes. Heat the brandy in the microwave 15 to 20 seconds.

Pour over the cherry mixture and ignite. Serve over the vanilla ice cream.

Makes 8 servings

Margaret Metz, Countess of Barter and Brides
The Hottie Red Hatters of Coralville,
Coralville, Iowa