Today is National Cherry Day, and what better way to celebrate than by whipping up some delicious cherry desserts and slushies? Whether you're craving a refreshing drink, a healthy breakfast, a classic dessert, or a versatile filling, there's something for everyone. Get ready to enjoy the sweet taste of summer with these fantastic recipes from Northwest Cherries.
Ingredients
● 2 cups Northwest Cherries, pitted
● 2 cups cold orange juice
● 2 cups cold lemon and lime flavored soda
● 1 can (8oz) pineapple chunks in juice, chilled and drained
● 1 orange, peeled and cut into wedges
Instructions
1. Place cherries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
2. Combine orange juice, soda, pineapple juice and orange slices in a pitcher. Pour into glasses until they are 2 inches above the rim.
3. Divide the frozen cherries into glasses. Serve with spoons.
OVERNIGHT OATMEAL WITH DRIED CHERRIES
Ingredients
● 2 cups of rolled oats
● 4 tablespoons of chia seeds
● 1 1/2 cups milk
● 2 teaspoons of pure almond extract
● 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
● 1/2 cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine the oats and chia seeds and stir to combine.
2. Add the milk, almond extract and maple syrup. Stir until evenly combined.
3. Using a 1/4-cup measuring cup, divide the oat mixture into 4 small jars and add a layer of dried cherries in between spoonfuls. Top with the remaining dried cherries.
4. Seal the jars and transfer them to the refrigerator. Let the oats sit in the refrigerator overnight, or at least for 6 hours, before serving.
5. Serve alone or top with Greek yogurt, additional dried cherries, and sliced almonds.
CHERRY CLAFOUTIS
Ingredients
● 1 pound pitted Northwest cherries
● 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
● 1/4 teaspoon salt
● 1/2 cup sugar
● 1 teaspoon teaspoon
● 4 eggs
● 1 1/4 cups half and half
● powdered sugar
● 3 tablespoons of softened butter, to spread the dish
Instructions
1. Prepare the cherries: Preheat oven to 375℉. Remove stems from cherries. Wash and dry cherries. Pit cherries using a cherry pitter (recommended) or a knife.
2. Make the batter: Bring the cream to a boil, then remove from heat. Allow the cream to cool for about 5 minutes. Blend the batter with a blender or hand mixer until smooth. Add the cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, flour, and salt to a bowl or blender. Blend until smooth and lump-free.
3. Assemble and bake the clafoutis: Grease the pan with butter. Arrange the cherries in the pan. Pour the mixture over the cherries. Bake for about 45 minutes or until fully cooked.
4. Finish: Sprinkle with icing sugar. Serve.
CHERRY VANILLA PIE FILLING
Ingredients
● 5 cups sweet cherries, washed, stemmed and pitted
● 1 cup of sugar
● 1/2 cup water
● 4 tablespoons of cornstarch
● 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
● 1 vanilla pod (optional)
● 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
1. Place cherries, sugar and lemon juice in a large nonreactive pot.
2. Split and scrape a vanilla pod and add it to the pot.
3. Heat over low heat until the cherries release their juice, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, mix the water with the cornstarch; set aside.
5. Increase heat and bring to a boil.
6. Once boiling, mix the water with the cornstarch well and add it to the pot, stirring constantly.
7. Once the mixture thickens (which will happen almost immediately if it was boiling), remove the pot from the heat and continue stirring for about a minute to prevent burning.
8. Immediately fill a hot quart jar leaving ½ inch headspace.
9. Clean the rim and place the flat lid and band on the jar.
10. Process in a hot water bath for 35 minutes.
