5 Fresh Cherry Recipes You Must Try

Cherries are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, making them a great addition to your diet. Whether you're looking to make a sweet treat or a savory dish, cherries can enhance any recipe with their unique flavor. Here are five delightful cherry recipes that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

1. Cherry and Almond Scones

Start your morning off with something special. These cherry and almond scones blend the tangy sweetness of cherries with the subtle flavor of almonds for a perfect breakfast treat.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing

Here's how you make them:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the cherries and almonds.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the egg and cream. Pour this into the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, pat it into a 1-inch thick round, and cut into 8 wedges. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, brush with cream, and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving.

🍒 Note: Always use cold ingredients for the flakiest scones; this keeps the butter from melting into the dough before baking.

2. Cherry Caprese Salad

Give the classic Caprese salad a cherry twist by adding fresh cherries for a burst of color and sweetness:

• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 2 balls of fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1 bunch of fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

To assemble:

1. Arrange slices of mozzarella on a platter.
2. Add a handful of basil leaves, then distribute cherry halves evenly across the platter.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then season with salt and pepper.

🍅 Note: For an even fresher taste, marinate the cherries in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper for about an hour before assembling the salad.

3. Cherry BBQ Sauce

Upgrade your grilling game with this unique cherry BBQ sauce perfect for ribs, chicken, or even burgers:

• 2 cups cherries, pitted and halved
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Simmer the cherries, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings in a saucepan over medium heat until cherries soften, about 15 minutes.
2. Puree the mixture in a blender or use an immersion blender, then return to the saucepan.
3. Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and simmer for 10 more minutes to thicken. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

4. Cherry Cheesecake Bars

If you love cheesecake and cherries, these cherry cheesecake bars are an absolute must-try:

• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries with a bit of sugar)

Here's how to make them:

1. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of an 8x8 inch pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes and let cool.
2. Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over the cooled crust.
3. Drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling onto the cream cheese mixture and swirl gently with a knife.
4. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 35 minutes or until the center is almost set. Cool to room temperature, then chill for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars.

5. Cherry Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with this cherry glazed pork tenderloin:

• 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 lb)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup cherry preserves or jam
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

To cook:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the pork with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork on all sides, about 2 minutes per side.
3. Mix cherry preserves, balsamic vinegar, mustard, and garlic to make the glaze. Brush over the pork.
4. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

🍖 Note: If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the mixture on the stove before brushing it onto the pork.

In wrapping up these cherry delights, it's evident that cherries bring a unique flair to a wide array of dishes, from sweet to savory. They not only offer a pop of color and flavor but also provide health benefits, making them an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned cooks. These recipes will expand your culinary repertoire and give you new ways to enjoy this luscious fruit. So next time you're at the market, grab some cherries and explore the vibrant possibilities they hold in your kitchen!

What substitutes can I use for fresh cherries in these recipes?

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If fresh cherries are not available, you can use frozen cherries (thawed and drained) or cherry preserves/jam. For baking, ensure you drain the excess liquid from the cherries to avoid too much moisture.

Can I make the cherry recipes vegan?

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Yes! Here are some tips:

• Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Use silken tofu mixed with lemon juice for the cream cheese in the Cherry Cheesecake Bars.
• Substitute eggs in baking with commercial egg replacers or a mixture of flaxseed and water.
• For meat dishes, consider using tofu or tempeh as a substitute.

How do I store leftover cherry BBQ sauce?

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The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in ice cube trays for easy portion control.

Related Terms:

• fresh cherry recipes
• Cherry clafoutis
• Ceri
• Pai ceri
• Creme Brulee
• Tarte Tatin