Well now, if you ever tried bakin’ with tart cherries, you’d know it’s somethin’ special. Them tart cherries, they ain’t like the sweet ones you get at the grocery store, no sir. They’re all puckery and tangy, with a little kick to ’em. But don’t you worry none! When you bake with ‘em and toss in a good bit of sugar, they make for the most delicious treats you ever did taste. Now, I’ve got some easy ways to bake with these cherries that’ll have everyone at the table lickin’ their fingers.
1. Tart Cherry Pie
Now, a tart cherry pie is a classic, ain’t it? You just take them sour cherries and mix ‘em up with sugar, cornstarch, and a little lemon juice. I like to make my own pie crust, but you can use store-bought if you’re in a hurry. Just line the pan, pour the cherry mix in, and cover it with a nice top crust. Bake it at about 375°F for an hour or until the crust’s golden brown. It’s just right with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a little whipped cream on top.
2. Tart Cherry Crumble
Now, this here’s a real easy one. You just toss your tart cherries into a baking dish, sprinkle some sugar on top, and cover ‘em with a mixture of flour, oats, butter, and brown sugar. You want that crumble to be nice and crumbly, so don’t go makin’ it too wet. Bake it at 350°F for about 45 minutes, and there you go, a warm, cozy dessert that’s just perfect for those chilly evenings.
3. Tart Cherry Muffins
If you’re lookin’ to bake somethin’ quick for breakfast or a snack, these tart cherry muffins are just the thing. You start with your regular muffin batter – flour, sugar, eggs, and bakin’ powder. Then you add a handful of tart cherries, chopped up nice and small, so they bake evenly in the batter. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little sugar on top before you pop ‘em in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes. You’ll have yourself a warm, sweet treat in no time.
4. Tart Cherry Jam
Now, if you want to put up some tart cherries for the winter months, why not make yourself some tart cherry jam? You just simmer those cherries with sugar and lemon juice until it thickens up. Then you can can it in jars, so you can have a taste of summer all year long. Spread it on your toast in the mornin’, or use it as a topping for your pancakes.
5. Tart Cherry Cake
Another one I’ve been makin’ for years is this tart cherry cake. It’s real simple, just mix flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, then fold in your tart cherries. I like to add a little vanilla and almond extract to give it some extra flavor. Bake it at 350°F for about 40 minutes, and you’ll have a light, moist cake that’s perfect for dessert or even a tea time snack. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top if you’re feelin’ fancy.
6. Tart Cherry Sorbet
Now if you’re lookin’ for somethin’ cool and refreshing, a tart cherry sorbet is just the thing. You blend up those tart cherries with a little sugar and lemon juice, then freeze ‘em in a shallow dish. Stir it every so often as it freezes to make sure it doesn’t get too hard. In a few hours, you’ll have yourself a nice, sweet treat to cool off with.
7. Tart Cherry Smoothie
A tart cherry smoothie’s a good way to start your day, too. Just throw a handful of tart cherries in a blender with some yogurt, a bit of honey or sugar, and a splash of orange juice. Blend it all up, and you’ve got yourself a delicious, healthy drink that’s got a little zing to it. Great for breakfast or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
8. Tart Cherry Drinks
You know, tart cherries aren’t just for desserts. You can use ’em to make all sorts of drinks too! Whether it’s a tart cherry lemonade, or you mix ’em with some sparkling water for a refreshing spritzer, those cherries bring a nice tangy flavor that hits just right. You can even add ’em to cocktails if you’re so inclined. I’ve heard a cherry whiskey sour’s mighty tasty!
Some Tips When Bakin’ With Tart Cherries
Now, don’t forget a few things when you’re bakin’ with them tart cherries. They’re a lot more sour than sweet cherries, so you gotta balance that out with sugar. You might also want to drain ‘em a bit if they’re too juicy, or you could end up with a soggy crust or cake. If you got any leftover cherries, you can freeze ‘em for later. Just pit ‘em, lay ‘em on a baking sheet, freeze ‘em, and then store ‘em in a bag. That way you can enjoy your tart cherries all year round.
So there you have it! A bunch of ways to bake with tart cherries. I tell you, there’s just nothin’ like the flavor of them cherries in your favorite baked goods. Whether it’s a pie, a cake, or even a nice cold sorbet, tart cherries bring a little extra somethin’ to the table. So next time you’re at the store, grab yourself some tart cherries and give one of these recipes a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Tags: [Tart Cherry Recipes, Baking with Tart Cherries, Cherry Pie, Cherry Muffins, Cherry Crumble, Tart Cherry Jam, Tart Cherry Sorbet, Tart Cherry Smoothie, Tart Cherry Cake, Cherry Desserts]
