This is an example of how two things you really like just don’t match. Cherries are a base flavor of Cabernet Sauvignon. Vanilla flavors come from new French oak barrels; dark chocolate is a pairing with big red wines. Big tannic wines like fat but sugar brings out the tannins of a wine, so while this dessert has some of the elements that pair with Cab, the sugar destroys it and the chocolate isn’t dark enough due to the cream.

So, open/decant/don’t drink the Cabernet, eat your dinner, have your dessert, refresh your palate with some sparkling water, then sit in the living room with a glass or two of the Cabernet for dessert number two.

 If you can make pancakes, you can make crepes. You just have to remember two things: make the batter ahead of time and don’t stress out about a hole in the crepe. 

Crepes

Confectioner’s sugar for dusting the crepes

Filling for 12 crepes

24 ounce jar Morello Cherries (don’t use dried unless you plump them in Cabernet first)
1 pint heavy whipping cream
12 ounces plus 1 Tablespoon Nutella (nothing is exact, no worries)
1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla, best quality

Drain cherries well, set aside

Whip the heavy cream in a mixer, adding sugar gradually to dissolve completely, and then add vanilla slowly. While that is being whipped, put approximately one tablespoon Nutella in a small dish and microwave 30 seconds or until just soft. Add the softened Nutella to the whipped cream and beat until it holds peaks well, or somewhat firm.

Paul Prudhomme and Julia Child both have great crepe recipes. Make the batter early in the day or the day before. Cook as a pancake, flipping after edges start to brown. Make a stack as you go.

Once you have cooked all the crepes, assemble:
For 1 crepe, spread 1 tablespoon Nutella, then top with 2 ounces cherries, roll like a tube, top with a large dollop of whipped cream, dust with confectioner’s sugar.

Serve 2 crepes per person. Finish the crepes, take the Cabernet to the living room and linger over the wine with a feeling of satisfaction with life.