Delicious Cherry Recipes: From Sweet to Savory

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Dried cherries are an excellent versatile ingredient, full of sweetness and tartness, to flavor a wide variety of dishes such as snacks, desserts, and savory meals. With its chewy texture and intense flavor, cherries can substitute raisins, cranberries, or some other fruits. Be it baking, cooking, or just snacking, there are hundreds of ways of using dry cherries in your recipes. In this article, we will explore some mouth-watering recipes that outline the full potential of dry cherries followed by five frequently asked questions about dry cherries.

1. Dried Cherry Scones:

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Scones are one of the quintessential British treats; when you pair them with cherries, they become an even better combination of sweet and tart flavors. These scones are good to have for breakfast or a tea-time snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup dried cherries, chopped if large
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 large egg
• teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk (optional for glazing)
• Instructions: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Cut cold butter into dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. You may use a pastry cutter or even your hands.

Stir in cherries:

• In another bowl, combine the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and mix only until just combined. Note: The dough should not overwork.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough a few times until the dough comes together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch disk.
• Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet.
• Brush with a little extra cream and sprinkle with a little sugar if desired.
• Bake until golden brown, about 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Cool scones slightly before serving.

2. Dried Cherry and Almond Energy Bars:

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Homemade energy bars featuring the natural sweetness of cherries and the crunch of almonds. Perfect as a boost before working out or munching at mid-day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped dried cherries
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

• Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
• Combine the cherries, almonds, oats, chia seeds, and salt in a large bowl.
• In a small saucepan, warm the almond butter and honey or maple syrup over low heat; stir until smooth and well combined. Add the vanilla extract.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated.
• Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish using a spatula and make sure it’s evenly flat in the baking dish.
• Allow this to firm up in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. Cut the bars, then chill in an airtight container in the fridge until snack time, up to a week. Cherry and Goat Cheese Salad
• This is a light refreshing salad, with the sweetness of the dried cherries, the tang of goat cheese, and the crunch of toasted walnuts. Great for a summer lunch or served on the side for dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and baby kale)
• 1/2 cup cherries
• 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

• Toss the arugula with the dried cherries, goat cheese, walnuts, and red onion in a large bowl.
• Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
• Serve immediately or refrigerate until just before serving.

4. Cherry and Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies:

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For a chocolate enthusiast, these cookies are a definite need to try. The dark chocolate is well paired with a pinch of bitterness to the tanginess of the dried cherries.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Stir the flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl.
• In a big bowl, cream softened butter along with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract to this mixture. Mix very well.
• Mix dry ingredients till it all just combines.
• Fold in cherries and dark chocolate chips.
• Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each spoonful.
• Bake at 375°F. for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
• Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Dried Cherry Compote:

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This is a wonderful topping for pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or even ice cream. This is an easy, quick way to enjoy this sweet-tart flavor of cherries.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cherries
• 1/2 cup water or orange juice
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

• In a small saucepan, combine the dried cherries and water (or orange juice).
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries have broken down and the liquid has thickened.
• Stir in the honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using).
• Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the compote reaches your desired consistency.
• Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week.

FAQs About Dried Cherries:

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1. Are cherries healthy?

Dried cherries are nutrient-rich and full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. The antioxidants in the cherries, anthocyanins, are useful for anti-inflammatory purposes and beneficial to the heart. However, just like other fruits, they are calorie-dense and must be taken in moderation. Opt for varieties with no added sugars for healthiness.

2. How to store cherries

Dried cherries should be placed in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Store them in an airtight container so that the freshness is maintained and moisture does not cause clumping. If you want to maintain a longer shelf life, you can also keep them in the refrigerator. cherries are good for six months.

3. Can cherries be used in savory dishes?

Yes, cherries are wonderful additions to savory dishes for a touch of sweetness and complexity. They go great with meats like pork, duck, and chicken. They are added wonderfully to salads, grain bowls, and even stir-fries. Dried cherries can be added to sauces, such as a cherry glaze for meats, to create a rich sweet-tart flavor profile.

4. Does dried cherry require soaking?

It depends on the recipe, but generally, most baking and cooking uses do not need soaking before using it. However, if you need a softer consistency or you intend to get their juice for a particular dish, it is recommended to soak them in warm water or juice for 10 to 15 minutes.

5. How are dried cherries different from cranberries?

Dried cherries and cranberries are both tart fruits. Cherries are typically sweeter, however, while cranberries are more tart. cherries are also often larger and chewier than the small, often more tart cranberries. Cherries contain more antioxidants than cranberries, although cranberries have been recognized for their support of urinary tract health. Depending on the application, one may often substitute the other in recipes, although the flavors will vary slightly.

Conclusion:

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The recipe in the next pages is an inspiration for thousands of dishes-you can indulge in baking scones, creating energy bars, preparing a fresh salad, or even making a cherry compote. With the inclusion of these recipes in your cooking repertoire, you will be able to enjoy the complete potential of cherries in an endless collection of meals and snacks.