Spiced cherry soup

Ingredients:

Flavor Sachet
1 stick cinnamon
1 star anise
1 whole clove
1 grated lime rind
1 grated lemon rind
1 grated orange rind
Soup:

1 1/2 pounds fresh cherries, pitted
3/4 cup granulated sugar

Garnish:

1 pound cherries, pitted and halved
8 sprigs mint

Preparation:

Place cinnamon stick, star anise, clove, and citrus zest in middle of a 4 inch square cheesecloth.
Bring corners together to form a pouch and tie securely. Set aside.
Combine the cherries, 3 1/4 cups of water, and sugar in a large saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and add flavor sachet.
Cover and let stand 2 hours to blend and bring out the flavors.
Remove sachet from soup.
Pour soup into food processor and blend until smooth.
Strain through large sieve into a large bowl.
Refrigerate for 3 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
Serve with garnish of mint sprig.