The term “as easy as pie” first coined in 19th century America refers not to the ease of making a pie, but rather to the ease of eating one. While there is no question about the ease of eating a delicious homemade cherry pie, many people avoid making one because they believe the task to be difficult. Not so! Today’s supermarkets are filled with high quality pre-made baking ingredients that make the job of putting together cherry pie as easy as one, two, three and four. Clear directions for each … [Read more...]

Cherries and chocolates are well-known as a deliciously decadent combination. In this recipe, the fresh cherries baked into the chocolate soften and release their sweet flavor into the bitter sweetness of the chocolate. Ingredients 1 cup (2 sticks) butter at room temperature 3/4 cup sugar 2 eggs, beaten 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa 1 cup milk 1-1/3 cups fresh California Bing cherries, pitted and … [Read more...]

  A new version of an old favorite. Ingredients 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 1 pound fresh California Bing cherries, washed and pitted (about 2 cups) 1 cup fresh lemon juice 6 cups cold water Mint garnish (optional) Instructions Heat sugar and 1 cup water in a small pot until sugar dissolves. Add 1 cup cherries, bring to a boil and boil until the cherries begin to soften, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside to cool. Strain cooled cherry syrup into a large pitcher, … [Read more...]

Ingredients Cherry Syrup 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup water 1 cup fresh California Bing cherries, washed and pitted Sangria 1 (750 mL) bottle fruity red wine, chilled 2 cups California Bing cherries, pitted 2 oranges 2 limes 24-36 ounces mineral water Fresh mint sprigs for garnish Instructions Cherry Syrup Bring sugar, water, and cherries to a boil in a medium pot. Once boiling, reduce to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and chill. (This can … [Read more...]

Thumbprint cookies are just what the name implies, a cookie with a thumbprint in the middle which is filled will delicious homemade cherry filling. Ingredients Bing Cherry Jam: 1 pound fresh California Bing cherries, washed and pitted (about 2 cups) 1/8 cup water 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1 cup sugar Cookie Dough: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened ¾ cup sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract 2 cups … [Read more...]

Cherries and chocolate are a classic combination. This version is as simple as it is elegant and delicious. Ingredients 1 to 2 pounds fresh California Bing cherries 6 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips Instructions Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Heat chocolate over medium heat, stirring often with a wooden spoon until melted, about five minutes. (Note: Use a double boiler. Or fill a saucepan half full with water and place chocolate in a small, deep heatproof bowl that fits … [Read more...]

A refreshing and colorful summertime salad. Ingredients Salad: 1 head Romaine lettuce, medium-chopped 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup diced green onion, some green included 1 can (11-ounce) mandarin oranges 1 cup smoked turkey, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 2/3 cup fresh California Bing cherries, washed, halved and pitted Balsamic Vinaigrette: 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon stone-ground … [Read more...]

Ingredients 1⁄2 cup orange marmalade 2 cups pitted fresh California Bing cherries Four croissants (Tip: Day-old are fine!) 3 eggs 1⁄2 cup milk 1⁄4 cup heavy cream 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil 2 cups fresh whipped cream 1⁄2 cup chocolate sauce Instructions Heat orange marmalade in small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add cherries and cook for five minutes stirring frequently. Remove from flame. Slice croissants in half lengthwise, as if to make a … [Read more...]

An updated version of roast duck, served chilled with jelled cherry sauce. Ingredients 4 pound duck, cleaned, giblets removed and set aside Salt for rubbing the duck 3 carrots, peeled and sliced 1 small onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 teaspoon dried marjoram 1 teaspoon dried basil 1  red wine 1 cup water Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Sugar to taste 1/2 pound California Bing cherries Instructions Preheat oven to 350 F … [Read more...]

Sweet, fresh Bing cherries make this light, early summer salad equally perfect for a bu et lunch or part of a simple family meal. If possible, use a cherry pitter so cherries can be left whole. Ingredients 1/2 small cantaloupe, seeds and skin removed, and cut into thin slices 1/4 honeydew melon, seeds and skin removed, and cut into thin slices 1/4 cup minced fresh mint, plus mint sprigs for garnish 2 tablespoons light honey 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1- 1/2 cups pitted fresh … [Read more...]