This recipe utilizes the best of summer's bounty. The cherries are cooked for a bit with thir usually discarded companions - the pits, which are cracked and wrapped in a cheesecloth. They bubble happily with the cherries on the stove to release their sweet almond flavor. (I wanted to add whole star anise in the cheesecloth, but the store didn't have any.) Orange zest and a little bit of orange juice brighten the flavors and cut through the sweet. The cherries are layered over sliced peaches and over this goes a heady batter of toasted almonds lightened with creamed butter and whipped egg whites. After it is baked, flip the pan over for gorgeous fruit over a moist, nutty cake.

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