Cherry Turnovers with Chocolate-Bourbon Drizzle

Prep Time: 25 minutes (includes dough)

Total Time: 50 minutes

Makes about 8 turnovers

What’s a guy to do when he’s on a ranch and the works have gone two days over and groceries are running low? I’m sure not going to sacrifice having dessert just because the pantry is bare. Some fruit pie filling and cream cheese wrapped in a flaky pocket will do the trick! And I’m not one to miss an opportunity to throw a little bourbon into the mix, which goes well with semisweet chocolate. Try this with blueberry filling too.

• 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1½ teaspoons almond extract
• Puffed Buttery Crust (see recipe), rolled out ¼ to ⅛ inch thick
• Chocolate-Bourbon Drizzle (recipe follows)

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a baking sheet.

2. In a medium bowl, beat together the pie filling, cream cheese, sugar, and almond extract until combined. Set aside.

3. Cut the rolled-out dough into 5½-inch circles. (I use a small bowl or Crisco lid for the circles.)

4. Spoon the cherry mixture evenly in the middle of each circle. Fold over and crimp the edges together with a fork or your fingers.

5. Place the turnovers on the baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

6. Top with the Chocolate-Bourbon Drizzle and serve warm or at room temperature.

Chocolate-Bourbon Drizzle

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Makes about 2 cups

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup bourbon

1. In a medium bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chocolate.

2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the cream and continue cooking until warm.

3. Pour the chocolate into the cream mixture. Add the vanilla and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 4 minutes.

4. Remove from the heat and whisk in the bourbon. Serve immediately.

Tip: For a more mellow bourbon flavor, bring the sauce to a boil for 1 to 2 minutes.