Nothing says spring like the arrival of versatile, delicious, bright-colored cherries. (Well, a calendar also says spring, but that’s not important right now.) Right now, though, it’s all about the cherry recipes.
There are over 1,000 varietals of wild cherries, but only a handful are commercially grown for consumption, falling into the categories of “sweet” and “sour” (or “tart”) cherries. Lucky for us, sweet cherries, such as bright red Lambert cherries, heart-shaped Bing, or golden-yellow Rainier — each hailing from California, Washington, and Oregon, respectively — each are delightful and eaten out of hand as a delicious snack or used to make a terrific cherry pie. And tart, bright Montmorency cherries that come into season in Michigan and Wisconsin are spun into cherry syrup for drizzling over waffles and pancakes, and cherry preserves that are perfect as a breakfast spread, for topping ice cream and cheesecake, or pairing with soft, mild types of cheese, such as Brie, Camembert or chèvre — their sour flavor cutting through the milky richness.
From early harvest plump-sweet cherries to Bing cherry black tea, and chocolate- covered maraschino cherries (Fun fact: It’s the only cherry that gets pickled!), these and the cherry recipes, treats, and ideas that follow are the “cherry on top” of spring!
Fresh Cherry Limeade
Homemade simple syrup — a solution made from equal parts water and sugar that is a handy non-alcoholic or cocktail sweetener — gets a bold boost of color and cherry flavor from juicy sweet dark cherries. Combine the cherry syrup with lemon-lime soda, fresh lime juice, or your favorite neutral spirit, such as vodka, for a refreshing cherry-flavored drink. After straining the syrup, use the cherry solids for topping ice cream, yogurt, or oatmeal cherry crisp.
Chia Cherry Smoothie
Instead of overnight oats, combine chia seeds with plant-based milk and honey to make a comforting pudding base, similar to tapioca. Next, combine fresh, sweet, pitted cherries and Greek yogurt for a protein-rich cherry smoothie. Layer it over the pudding for a texture-rich, healthy, parfait-style breakfast that's so good you'll skip the spoon and want to scoop it with your hands.
Peach and Roasted Cherry Dutch Baby Pancake
Toss fresh cherries with a bit of amaretto — the almond-flavored liquor highlights the almond flavors in cherry pits (the two trees are related) — and roast until their juices run. Spoon them over our favorite Dutch baby pancake — an oven-baked custard-like pancake — add fresh sliced peaches and dollops of whipped cream infused with marionberry preserves, and you have a gorgeous brunch dish.
Cherry and Blue Cheese Salad
Use this recipe as a template, and swap out the sweet pears for plump-sweet cherries for an irresistible butter lettuce salad that pairs savory, robust Rogue Creamery blue cheese and fruit. Add any nut you wish, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, or a mix for a boost of crunch, fiber, and protein.
Grilled Salmon with Cherry Compote
Pair luscious grilled filets of omega-3-rich Pacific salmon with a naturally sweetened cherry compote; the bright cherries and hint of cinnamon cut through the richness of the salmon. Besides being an excellent topping for the salmon, this compote can be used over roasted chicken, turkey, or grilled steaks. Or, serve it at a gathering with crackers and an artisanal cheese assortment.
Pan-Fried Pork Chop with Cherry Chutney
Dollops of cherry and ancho chili chutney — a spicy, sweet, tart condiment originating in India and incorporating dried pieces of fruit with smoke and heat from chilis — is great served over thick, boneless pork chops dredged in seasoned flour and pan fried until crispy. Slice and serve the pork over cheesy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal with a kick.
Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Cherries paired with chocolate are a perfect combo, as the sweet chocolate offsets the tart fruit flavor. Among our favorite ways to enjoy this winning duo are milk and dark chocolate covered cherries, chocolate cherry cocktails, and these chocolate cherry brownies: superb fudgy, dark chocolate squares fragrant with the fresh cherries you fold into the batter.
Sweet Cherry Turnover
Cherry-filled turnovers made with puff pastry will give you the butter and flakiness you crave from a homemade pie crust. And tossing the cherries with sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice coaxes their juices and amplifies their sweetness, capturing a cherry pie's oozy, warm fruit filling. And since they are individually portioned, you can eat the whole thing!
