Star-Spangled Black Forest Ice Cream Cake with Sizzling Grilled Northwest Cherries

Ice Cream Cake

2 packages (approximately 21 ounces each) family-size brownie mix, divided

Eggs, oil and water needed to prepare mixes

12 cups vanilla ice cream, divided

Patriotic Confetti Sprinkles

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray Star Pan with vegetable pan spray.

In large bowl, prepare 1 brownie mix following package instructions; pour into prepared pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few crumbs attached. Cool in pan on cooling grid 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely.

Spread 6 cups ice cream evenly into star pan. Return cooled brownie to pan; top with remaining ice cream, spreading top smooth. Freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.

Meanwhile, line 13x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, extending 2 inches above edge of pan; spray with vegetable pan spray. Prepare remaining brownie mix following package instructions; pour into prepared pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few crumbs attached. Cool completely in pan. Remove brownie from pan using parchment paper to lift from the pan. Cut into star shapes using different sizes of star cutters.

To serve, arrange and stack brownies on top of ice cream; add confetti sprinkles. Serve with Grilled Northwest Cherries.

Makes 12 servings.

Northwest Cherries

4 cups Northwest fresh sweet cherries, pitted if desired

3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

2 teaspoons grated orange zest

2 tablespoons orange liqueur or orange juice

Place cherries on large square of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Sprinkle with brown sugar and orange zest. Add orange liqueur. Wrap cherries with double fold. Fold both ends to make tightly sealed packet.

Place packet on grill over medium heat. Grill 10 to 12 minutes or until cherries are thoroughly heated but still firm. Remove cherries from packet and serve with Black Forest Ice Cream Cake.

Makes 4 servings. Recipe can be doubled.