Chocolate Cherry Parfaits

Directions

1. 1
   To make the chocolate sauce, heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. 2
   Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chocolate.
3. 3
   Let stand a few minutes until the chocolate softens, then whisk until smooth.
4. 4
   Whisk in the corn syrup.
5. 5
   Transfer to a bowl to cool completely.
6. 6
   To make the cherry sauce, cook the cherries and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, until the sugar is dissolved and the cherries give off their juice, about 5 minutes.
7. 7
   Sprinkle the cornstarch over the kirsch in a small bowl and stir to dissolve the cornstarch.
8. 8
   Stir into the cherries and cook just until the juices thicken.
9. 9
   Transfer to another bowl and cool completely.
10. 10
    (The chocolate and cherry sauces can be prepared up to 2 days ahead, cooled, covered, and refrigerated.
11. 11
    Gently reheat the chocolate sauce just until fluid.)
12. 12
    Scoop equal amounts of the ice cream into 4 parfait or martini glasses, adding the chocolate and cherry sauces to get a layered effect.
13. 13
    Top each with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh cherry.
14. 14
    Serve immediately.