Cherry preserve is heavenly

It’s handmade in limited quantities by a small group of Trappist nuns just north of Rome, and the proceeds go to benefit an AIDS clinic they run in Africa. Sound divine? It is! This confettura di amarene -- a sour black cherry preserve -- is made with whole black cherries grown by the nuns. It’s rich, fruity and not too sweet. Try it glazed over roast pork or duck, or serve it simply with a rustic loaf of bread and wedge of sheep’s cheese. And those nuns? According to importer A. G. Ferrari Foods, they prefer to spoon it over ice cream.

Confettura di Amarene. Available at Cube in Los Angeles, (323) 939-1148, $15 for 14.1 ounces; and online at agferrari.com, $12 for 14.1 ounces.

-- Noelle Carter