Sprinkle the
kirsch, if using, over the cherries in a small bowl and leave them to
soak for about 30 minutes. Mix the flour and sugar together, then slowly
stir in the egg yolks and milk to make a smooth batter. Stir in half the
butter and leave for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425F, Gas 7. Pour
the remaining butter into a 600ml baking dish and put in the oven to
heat. Whisk the egg whites until stiff, then fold into the batter with
the cherries and kirsch, if using. Pour into the dish and bake for 15
minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350F, Gas 4 and bake for 20
minutes, or until golden and set in the center. Serve sprinkled with
sugar. Kent, known as the 'Garden of England', has been particularly
well-known for cherries and the dishes made from them.
