Bing Cherry Soup

Directions

1. 1
   Put whole, unpitted cherries into a deep, wide, heavy pan.
2. 2
   (No need to remove stems.)
3. 3
   Add vanilla bean, candied orange, and wine or wine and water.
4. 4
   Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer 30 to 40 minutes, until thickened and reduced by half.
5. 5
   Let cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a food processor in batches and pulse briefly, just until fruit is in very small pieces.
6. 6
   Transfer fruit, pits, stems and liquid to a fine-meshed sieve placed over a large bowl.
7. 7
   Press hard with a wooden spoon to extract all the liquid.
8. 8
   Cover, and chill 4 hours or overnight.
9. 9
   To serve, ladle into shallow bowls.
10. 10
    Put a scoop of sorbet or ice cream or a spoonful of sliced fruit in the center.
11. 11
    Garnish with candied orange peel or a biscotti, if desired.