When the weather starts to cool, what better way to satisfy your hunger and thirst than to include dried cherries in as many ways as possible. At Sunrise Fresh, we offer several kinds of dried cherries that you can use to add flavor and nutrients to your favorite dishes. The best part of enjoying the Fall is enjoying the food that goes along with it. Creating your own desserts and beverages adds a personal touch to your family gatherings and holiday parties.
Fun Ways to Include Dried Cherries in Your Fall Festivities
Dried cherries are extremely versatile and can be used in many different ways. They offer bursts of flavor that make every bite better than the last. In addition to the flavor, dried cherries also offer texture. It's a win/win situation no matter which way you turn. Use them as a topping or as an ingredient. Your options are endless.
Cherry Cobbler
4-5 cups of Sunrise Fresh dried cherries that have been soaked in water for a few hours
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
2 teaspoons cornstarch
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Crumb Topping
1 ¼ cups yellow or white cake mix (only the mix)
¼ cup brown sugar
a dash of salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
6 tablespoons of butter (soft, but not liquid)
The oven should be set to 400 degrees.
Prepare the cherries and combine them with the first set of ingredients. You can use either a glass baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
Place the second set of ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the butter last, cutting it into the mixture until crumbs form. Once the mixture is crumbly, spoon it over the top of the cherry mixture and place the dish/skillet in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes. The top should be a soft, golden brown, and the cherry mixture bubbling along the edges.
Serve it warm with ice cream or freeze it and serve it ice cold on a hot day.
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Take your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and add ½ cup of diced Sunrise Fresh dried tart cherries. Bake as the recipe directs.
Cherry Cordials
1 lemon
1 pound Sunrise Fresh dried cherries
1 tablespoon cardamom pods (2 teaspoons of vanilla or almond extract can be used in place of the cardamom)
1 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
2 cups of distilled water
2 cups raw cane sugar
Grate a small amount of lemon peel into a bowl. Slice the lemon in half and squeeze the lemon juice into another bowl.
Place the cherries in a large pot. Add lemon zest, cardamom pods, ginger, and finally the water.
Once the mixture has come to a slight boil, turn down the heat to medium. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
Place a mesh sieve over a bowl or large pitcher. Line the sieve with a cheesecloth. Pour the cherry mixture into the sieve so the fluid can drain through. Press the cherries with a pestle or wooden spoon to get as much of the juice as possible. Discard the cherries.
Stir the sugar into the hot cherry juice. Stir until it is completely dissolved. Add the lemon juice and continue to mix.
Pour into large bottles and seal. Store in the fridge for approximately six weeks. Six months if you place it in the freezer.
When ready to serve, pour up to four tablespoons into a small glass and fill with sparkling water. If you prefer an adult beverage add two or three ounces of vodka.
Cherry Limeade
Using the cherry cordial mix, swap limeade for the sparkling water and serve over ice. Make it by the pitcher!
Frozen Trail Mix Ice Cream Toppings
Make your own trail mix by mixing Sunrise Fresh dried cherries with a variety of different nuts and dried fruits. Mix well, adjusting the amounts of each of the ingredients to your taste. Freeze the mixture for an hour or two. Break out the ice cream and put the trail mix on top. Drizzle with chocolate or caramel syrup.
No matter what your plans involve, add Sunrise Fresh dried cherries! They add the perfect touch to almost any dish or beverage. Freeze them first and use them to cool off on a hot day. At Sunrise Fresh, our dried cherries taste great no matter how they are served.
