Make the Most of Cherries While You Can
Glossy red cherries may be everywhere right now, but in a few short weeks, they'll be gone until next summer. Make the most of them while you can. In our recipe slideshow, you'll find sweet and savory recipes for fresh cherries, in every course, including drinks.
Pepper-Crusted Duck Breasts with Cherry-Port Sauce
Fresh Cherry Relish and Goat Cheese Crostini
Fresh Cherry Margarita
Pepper-Crusted Duck Breasts with Cherry-Port Sauce
by Joanne Weir
In this elegant and easy dish, a quick sauce of red wine, port, and cherries tops seared duck breasts. Serve with haricots verts blanched and sautéed in brown butter, then tossed with hazelnuts.
Serves six.
1-1/2 cups fruity red wine, such as Zinfandel, Shiraz, or Merlot
1 cup ruby port
One 1-1/4 -inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
1 to 2 Tbs. granulated sugar
1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. cornstarch
2 cups fresh sweet or sour cherries, pitted and halved (about 11 oz.)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbs. coarsely cracked black peppercorns
6 small or 3 large skin-on duck breasts (about 3 lb. total)
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Fresh Cherry Relish and Goat Cheese Crostini
by Joanne Weir
This relish is also delicious spooned over grilled chicken breasts, tossed into a chilled couscous or rice salad, or served as a salsa with tortilla chips.
Yields 18 crostini
1 cup fresh sweet cherries (about 5-1/2 oz.), pitted and finely chopped
1/2 cup finely diced jícama
1 medium scallion (white and green parts), very thinly sliced
1 tsp. chopped fresh mint
1/2 tsp. red wine vinegar
Pinch of cayenne; more to taste
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2-1/2 oz. (1/3 cup) soft fresh goat cheese
2-1/2 oz. (1/3 cup) ricotta cheese
Eighteen 1/2-inch-thick baguette slices, toasted
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Fresh Cherry Margarita
by Joanne Weir
Muddled sweet cherries add a burst of bright color to the classic Mexican cocktail. Look for agave nectar at the supermarket near the honey and maple syrup.
Need more drink ideas? Visit our Drinks Guide for hudreds of recipes for fun mixed drinks as well as classic cocktails.
Serves one.
12 fresh sweet cherries, pitted
1-1/4 fl. oz. (2-1/2 Tbs.) tequila, preferably blanco 100% agave
1 fl. oz. (2 Tbs.) fresh lime juice
3/4 fl. oz. (1-1/2 Tbs.) agave nectar, preferably dark
1/2 fl. oz. (1 Tbs.) maraschino liqueur
1 fresh sweet cherry with stem, for garnish
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