Caramelise the sugar in a pan until light brown. Add almonds, remove from heat and turn the sponge fingers with 2 forks in it. Leave to cool on an oiled board. Drain the cherries, collect the juice and bring to the boil.
Stir cornstarch with a little water until smooth and bind the juice. Fold in the cherries. Arrange the sponge fingers with ice cream and the cherries on plates. Decorate with lemon balm.