Cherry

Cherries are a versatile fruit used in various culinary applications, ranging from sweet to savory dishes. They come in numerous varieties, including sweet cherries like Bing and Rainier, and tart or sour cherries like Montmorency. Here's how cherries are commonly used in cooking:

Baking:

Cherries are a popular ingredient in baked goods such as pies, tarts, clafoutis, cobblers, and crumbles. Their natural sweetness and slight acidity complement the rich, buttery pastry.

Jams and Preserves:

Sweet or tart cherries are cooked down with sugar to make jams, preserves, and compotes. These can be spread on toast, used as fillings for cakes and pastries, or served alongside cheeses.

Desserts:

Fresh, canned, or dried cherries are used in a variety of desserts, including cherry cheesecake, ice cream, and chocolate-covered cherries. Cherry sauce or syrup is often drizzled over desserts for added flavor.

Sauces and Glazes:

Cherries can be reduced into sauces and glazes for meats, particularly duck, pork, and chicken, offering a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory flavors.

Salads:

Fresh cherries are added to salads, providing bursts of sweetness and color. They pair well with greens, nuts, and cheese, especially goat cheese or blue cheese.

Beverages:

Cherries are used in smoothies, juices, and cocktails, adding natural sweetness and a vibrant color. Cherry-flavored liqueurs, such as kirsch and maraschino, are popular in mixed drinks.

Snacks and Appetizers:

Fresh cherries make a healthy, refreshing snack on their own. They can also be incorporated into appetizers, like cherry and brie crostini or cherry-topped bruschetta.

Canning and Pickling:

Cherries can be canned in syrup or pickled in a vinegar solution, extending their shelf life and offering a unique way to enjoy their flavor.

Grilling:

Fresh cherries can be grilled on skewers or in a grilling basket, often served as a side dish or dessert, sometimes accompanied by a sweet glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar.

Breakfast Dishes:

Dried or fresh cherries are added to breakfast cereals, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, and muffins, contributing sweetness and moisture.

When using cherries in cooking, it's important to consider their variety and the balance of sweetness and acidity they bring to a dish. Pitting cherries can be time-consuming, but it's necessary for most recipes. Depending on the application, cherries can be used whole, halved, or chopped. Their vibrant color and distinct flavor make cherries a delightful addition to both sweet and savory dishes, enhancing the overall taste and presentation.