Using Freshly Picked Cherries
As a tree owner, you are lucky to have access to freshly picked cherries. Whether they are a Montmorency, Rainier or Balaton, cherry season is here and there are so many possibilities as to how you can use them. From cobbler and pies to salads and salsa, you can use them in sweet and savory dishes. Read on to learn how to make the most out of your cherry harvest.
Start by picking your cherries. While it is already known that fresh is best, it is important to remember to pick them when they are ripe or else you could lose flavor and sweetness. As you pick, remove stems and inspect for worms or damage. Then rinse them off and begin enjoying!
Cooking with Cherries
One of the best and most popular uses for cherries is to bake with them. From pies and tarts to cobblers and cakes, cherries and sweets go hand in hand. Bring out the natural sweetness of cherries by baking them with sugar, cinnamon and other seasonings and enjoy their bright pop of flavor.
If you’re looking for something savory, cherries can shine there as well. Made into sauces, salsas and stews, cherries are capable of making every meal more delicious. Whether you add them to a chicken dish or pair them with pork, the sweet and tart taste of cherries will add complexity to any meal.
Preserving and Serving
Cherries can be pickled, canned or dried. Pickling will create a sour and acidic taste, while canning and drying can preserve the sweetness of the fruit for months or longer. For a snack, freeze cherries with a bit of sugar and enjoy them throughout the season or have them on top of cereal or ice cream. For a more elegant presentation, marinate and refrigerate them to serve them with salads or mix them with alcohol for a robust flavor.
No matter how you use them, cherries from your tree will be fresh, delicious and bursting with flavor. They can be used to make both traditional and unique recipes, and you can adapt the recipes to your taste and preference. Now is the best time to start experimenting and find out what these fruits of your labor are capable of!
Chocolate and Cherries
When it comes to cherries, it is hard to beat the classic combination of chocolate and cherries. Sweet, chewy and decadent, they are sure to satisfy any craving. And with a little bit of creativity, there are endless possibilities to create a heavenly combination. Try a cherry-chocolate fudge, chocolate-covered cherries or a healthy chocolate-cherry smoothie for a treat any time of the day.
For a fun and creative way to present these chocolatey treats, try making your own chocolate-cherry cups. Start by melting your favorite chocolate and pour it in chocolate molds. Add in fresh cherries and sprinkle them with a bit of sugar, then freeze for an hour. Pull out of the mold and enjoy your fresh and homemade chocolate-cherry cup.
Savory Dishes with Cherries
Savory dishes are another way to incorporate cherries into your cooking. Cherry chutney, a spicy Indian condiment, can be used to spice up any dish. Or make a cherry-balsamic reduction and drizzle over your favorite proteins. Add multiple fruits to make it interesting, such as strawberries and blueberries, and get creative with seasonings to enhance the flavor.
For a savory snack or appetizer, try making a savory cherry sauce for your favorite cheese. Start by simmering a half cup of cherries in a pan with a tablespoon of sugar. Add half a cup of balsamic vinegar, two tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper. Stir until completely mixed and let it cool. Spread over creamy brie cheese, crackers or pretzels and enjoy!
Make It Boozy
If you’re looking for something a bit different, try adding a bit of boozy spirit to your cherries. This will give them a sweeter, rounder flavor. Start by rinsing and drying your cherries and adding a tablespoon of sugar to a bowl. Slice each cherry in half, pour in the spirit of your choice and mix them until fully combined. Place the infused cherries into an airtight container and let it sit for 48 hours. Serve over ice cream, on top of yogurt or in a cocktail as a garnish.
Summertime Cherry Popsicles
The summertime calls for one thing – popsicles! Make your own cherry pops out of freshly-picked cherries for a treat that you can use all season. Start by pureeing frozen and fresh cherries in a blender or food processor. Add a bit of honey or cinnamon for an extra kick and place the cherry puree into popsicle molds. Freeze overnight and enjoy your homemade cherry popsicles.
Chocolate Cherry Cake
Chocolate and cherries are always a winning combination and a simple, yet delicious, recipe is a chocolate cherry cake. Start by combining a box cake mix, a quarter cup of softened butter, two large eggs and stir until combined. Grease a springform pan and pour in the mixture. Arrange the cherries on top of the mixture and gently press down on them. Bake in a preheated oven, usually at 375°F, and once finished, drizzle with a chocolate ganache for an extra touch of chocolate.
Cherry Compote
Cherry compote is a great way to preserve all that sweetness that cherries have, while also making it spreadable. Start by boiling a cup of sugar and a half cup of water together. Once it starts boiling, add two tablespoons of freshly-squeezed lemon juice and keep boiling until all the sugar is dissolved. Reduce the heat and add a pound of cherries. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can serve the compote with a scoop of ice cream or use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
Cherry Salad
For a healthy side, try making a cherry salad. Start by washing and slicing fresh cherries and adding them to a bowl. Add any leafy greens, such as arugula, spinach or kale, in the same bowl. Make a dressing with a tablespoon of Dijon mustard, ¼ cup of olive oil, a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the ingredients and the salad dressing together and serve immediately. The sweet and tartness of cherries will give the salad a refreshing touch.
