Cherry soup with whipped mascarpone & caramelised almonds

1 . Stage

To make the poaching liquor, put the wine, Prosecco, sugar, cinnamon, thyme sprig and vanilla pods with seeds in a large saucpan. Bring to a simmer, then drop in the cherries. Simmer for 3 mins, then remove from the heat and leave to cool. Can be prepared 2 days ahead and kept in the fridge.

2 . Stage

To make the caramelised nuts, tip the sugar and 25ml water into a saucepan. Heat gently without stirring until the sugar melts, then keep cooking until you have a golden caramel. Add the nuts to the pan, stir until they are coated in caramel, then tip onto a sheet of baking parchment and leave to cool. Once set, break the caramel into pieces.

3 . Stage

While the cherries and almonds are cooling, whisk the cream, mascarpone and icing sugar in a bowl to stiff peaks, then set aside. When the soup is cool, remove the vanilla pods, cinnamon stick and thyme sprig, then ladle into dessert bowls. Top with a large spoon of mascarpone and caramelised nuts.