Step 1

Freeze ice cream maker bowl in the freezer for 24 hours if possible (or overnight if you are short on time) prior to ice cream making.

Step 2

Place coconut milk, maple syrup, chocolate, cacao powder, cardamon and salt into a pot and bring to a simmer. Whisk the mixture continuously until chocolate pieces are dissolved and all ingredients are combined-about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Next using a whisk, mix in agar powder and allow to simmer for one more minute. Remove the pot from the heat, and let it cool for 5 minutes.

Step 4

Place the ingredients in a blender. Purée on high and pour into a large glass jar.

Step 5

Transfer mixture to the refrigerator to chill completely.

Step 6

Once chilled, add the mixture to an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's directions for churning. When the churning process is a couple of minutes from being complete, add ½ to 1 cup coarsely chopped cherries.

Step 7

You can have perfect ice cream after about 30 minutes in the Cuisinart ice cream maker. Transfer leftover ice cream to a glass jar or other freezer-safe container and keep it in the freezer for a couple of weeks.