These panna cottas (Italian for cooked cream) are smooth, light and mild molded desserts set off by a bright, intensely flavored cherry compote. The recipe calls for a vanilla bean, which yields the best flavor, but you can use extra vanilla extract instead; just be sure it's top quality. The compote is also delicious spooned over slices of angel food cake or scoops of vanilla frozen yogurt. Recipe by Nancy Baggett.

Makes 6 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 30 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 4 1/2 hours (including 4 hours chilling time)

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

Panna cotta
1/4 cup kirsch (see Ingredient Note)
1 3-inch-long piece vanilla bean (see Substitution Tip)
2 1/4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups nonfat vanilla yogurt, chilled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, well chilled

Compote
2 cups fresh or frozen (thawed; see Tip) dark sweet cherries, pitted
1/3 cup dried cherries
1/4 cup cherry preserves
1 2-inch piece cinnamon stick
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons lemon juice

1. To prepare panna cotta: Coat six 3/4-cup (6-ounce) custard cups, ramekins or decorative nonreactive molds (see Note) with cooking spray.
2. Combine kirsch and vanilla bean in a small heatproof glass bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on High until hot but not boiling, 20 to 30 seconds. Let stand until the vanilla bean infuses the kirsch with flavor, at least 30 minutes and preferably longer. Remove the vanilla bean and reserve it to add to the compote. Sprinkle gelatin over the kirsch; stir to mix. Let stand for 5 minutes. Microwave, uncovered, on High until the gelatin has completely dissolved but the liquid is not boiling, 20 to 40 seconds. (Alternatively, bring 1/2 inch water to a gentle simmer in a small skillet. Set the bowl with the gelatin mixture in the simmering water until the gelatin has dissolved completely.) Stir the mixture until smooth. Stir in sugar.
3. Whisk yogurt, vanilla and almond extract in a medium bowl. Thoroughly whisk in the gelatin mixture. Refrigerate, stirring occasionally, until the mixture just begins to thicken, 15 to 20 minutes. Beat cream in a small deep bowl using an electric mixer or whisk until soft peaks form. Whisk the cream into the yogurt mixture just until smoothly incorporated. Divide the mixture among the prepared cups. Cover and refrigerate until the panna cottas are chilled and set, at least 4 hours and up to 3 days.
4. To prepare compote: Stir fresh (or frozen, thawed) and dried cherries, preserves, cinnamon stick, lemon zest and juice in a medium non-reactive saucepan (see Note). Split the reserved vanilla bean piece in half lengthwise. Scrape the seeds into the pan and add the split bean. Boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the dried cherries are softened and the juice is somewhat reduced, 6 to 8 minutes. Let cool. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours and up to 3 days.
5. To serve: Run a knife around the cups to loosen the panna cotta. One at a time, set the cups in hot water for 30 to 40 seconds, then invert onto a serving plate, holding the cup and plate tightly together. If they don't unmold, break the vacuum by carefully pushing the knife under the edge of each cup, lifting up slightly, then inverting again. Remove the cinnamon stick and vanilla bean pieces from the compote and serve the compote with the panna cottas.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 295 calories; 8 g fat (5 g sat, 2 g mono); 28 mg cholesterol; 49 g carbohydrate; 6 g protein; 2 g fiber; 67 mg sodium; 313 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Calcium (15% daily value).
Exchanges: 1 milk (fat free), 1 fruit, 1 other carbohydrate, 1 1/2 fat; 3 Carbohydrate Servings.

TIP: Ingredient Note: Kirsch (also called kirschwasser) is clear cherry brandy, commonly used as a flavor enhancer in fondue and cherries jubilee.

Substitution Tip: Increase the vanilla extract in Step 3 to 1 1/2 teaspoons and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the compote when it is removed from the heat.

Tips: Be sure to measure frozen cherries while still frozen, then thaw. (Drain juice before using.)

To pit a cherry: Halve it with a paring knife then pry out the pit with the tip of the knife or use a cherry pitter, available from Williams-Sonoma at www.williams-sonoma.com, (877) 812-6235.

Find frozen, canned and dried sour cherries at King Orchards, (877) 937-5464, www.kingorchards.com, and The Cherry Stop, (800) 286-7209, www.cherrystop.net.

Note: A non-reactive pan—stainless steel, enamel-coated or glass—is necessary when cooking acidic foods, such as lemon, to prevent the food from reacting with the pan. Reactive pans, such as aluminum and cast-iron, can impart an off color and/or off flavor in acidic foods.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Prepare through Step 4 and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If desired, thin the compote with 1 tablespoon hot water before serving. | Equipment: Six 3/4-cup custard cups, ramekins or decorative non-reactive molds

Wow! I used frozen berries, but want to try it again now that there are fresh cherries in the market. Not the easiest recipe, but great for a special occasion.

Patricia, Middletown, CT

We loved this. DH couldn't believe it was lower calorie because it tasted so indulgent. i used fresh cherries but didn't use the kirsch (I just used water in that phase) and it turned out fine and still with plenty of vanilla and cherry flavor. Wonderful!

Linda, Marlton, NJ