Fresh Cherry

Welcome to a vibrant orchard of cherry perfection! Our fresh cherry recipes are a delightful celebration of nature's candy, where these crimson jewels take center stage in a symphony of sweet, juicy, and mouthwatering creations. Picture yourself strolling through a sun-dappled cherry grove, plucking ripe fruit straight from the tree, and savoring the pure essence of summer in every bite.

Recipes

BBQ Cherry Glazed Chicken (Entree Recipe)

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup pitted cherries

  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

  • Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt together to create a spice rub.
2. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring a thorough coating. Set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the cherry glaze. In a saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 10 minutes until the cherries have softened and the glaze has thickened. Remove from heat.
4. Preheat your broiler to high heat.
5. Place the marinated chicken thighs on a broiler pan or a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil (for easier cleanup). Broil for about 8-10 minutes on each side, until the skin is crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Generously brush the cherry glaze onto both sides of the chicken thighs, ensuring an even coating. Reserve a little extra for dipping or drizzling over the finished dish if desired.
7. Return the glazed chicken thighs to the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze has caramelized and developed a beautiful sheen.
8. Remove from the broiler and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness, if desired.
9. Serve this mouthwatering BBQ Cherry Glazed Chicken alongside some warm cornbread and a fresh green salad to complete your culinary experience.

Crock Pot Cherry Chicken (Entree Recipe)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 cup pitted cherries, fresh or frozen (thawed)

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

  • 2 tablespoons water

  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cherries, balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour the cherry mixture over the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
4. Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crock pot and set aside on a plate.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the cherry sauce in the crock pot and stir well to combine.
7. Cover the crock pot and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
8. While the sauce thickens, shred the chicken with two forks or chop it into smaller pieces.
9. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir to coat it evenly with the thickened cherry sauce.
10. Serve the crock pot cherry chicken over cooked rice or noodles.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Enjoy this flavorful and tender crock pot cherry chicken! It pairs perfectly with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cherry Glazed Squash (Entree Recipe)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Introducing our autumn delight: Cherry Glazed Squash and Root Vegetables. Bursting with flavors and colors, this dish elevates your dining experience. Butternut squash, root vegetables, and our signature Cjherrywood Cherry Syrup create a harmonious blend. Fall in love with the charm of autumn at Cherrywood Orchard. Try our culinary masterpiece today.

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium-sized squash (butternut, acorn, or any variety of your choice)

  • 1 cup pitted frozen or fresh cherries, halved (optional)

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1/4 cup Cherrywood Cherry Syrup

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley or mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Squash

  • Wash the squash well and then cut them lengthwise.

  • Scoop out and discard the seeds, creating little hollows for the glaze.

3. Make the Cherry Glaze

  • In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

  • Add cherry syrup, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.

  • Stir well until the mixture is smooth.

  • Add the cherries to the saucepan and cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing cherries to soften slightly and release their juices.

4. Glaze the Squash

  • Place the hollowed squash halves in a baking dish, cut side up.

  • Spoon the cherry glaze mixture over the squash, making sure to fill the hollows and coat the exposed flesh.

  • Reserve a little extra glaze to brush over the squash during baking.

5. Bake the Squash

  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.

  • Every 10 minutes or so, brush the squash with the reserved cherry glaze to keep the flavors infused.

6. Serve

  • Once the squash is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

  • Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves, if desired.

7. Enjoy!

  • Serve the Cherry Glazed Squash as a flavorful side dish alongside your favorite protein or as a vegetarian main course.

  • The sweetness from the cherries complements the savory squash, resulting in a delightful combination of flavors.

Note:

You can always customize this recipe by adding some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for an extra crunch and texture.

Vibrant Green Salad with Cherry Vinaigrette (Salad Recipe)

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

  • 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and romaine lettuce)

  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced

  • 1 avocado, diced

  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

  • 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds

For the Cherry Vinaigrette:

  • 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon honey

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the cherry vinaigrette. In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh cherries, red wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
2. Rinse the mixed greens and baby spinach leaves under cold water and pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, baby spinach leaves, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, diced avocado, and finely chopped red onion.
4. Drizzle the cherry vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
5. Divide the salad onto individual serving plates or bowls.
6. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted slivered almonds over each serving.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this delicious green salad!

Tips and Variations:

  • Feel free to customize this salad by adding or substituting ingredients according to your preference. Some great additions could be sliced strawberries, toasted pine nuts, or grilled chicken.

  • For a vegan-friendly version, you can omit the feta cheese or replace it with vegan cheese.

Chicken Salad with Cherries (Salad Recipe)

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

  • 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt

  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon Cherrywood Cherry Tango Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Lettuce leaves, for serving

  • Sliced almonds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a big bowl, mix cooked chicken, fresh cherries, celery, and red onion.
2. In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, , honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold everything together.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. When ready to serve, line a platter or plates with lettuce leaves.
6. Stir the chicken salad and spoon it onto the lettuce leaves.
7. Garnish with sliced almonds, if desired, and serve chilled.

Enjoy this delightful combination of tender chicken, juicy cherries, and crunchy vegetables with a creamy dressing. It’s perfect as a refreshing lunch, served on lettuce leaves or as a sandwich filling.

Cherry Old Fashioned (Cocktail Recipe)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces of bourbon

  • 1/4 ounce of simple syrup

  • 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters

  • 3 fresh cherries, pitted and halved

  • Orange peel, for garnish

  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a glass for old fashioned cocktails, crush the cherries and mix them with the simple syrup until the cherries release their juices.
2. Fill the glass with ice cubes, packing them tightly.
3. Add bourbon to the glass and stir gently to mix.
4. Add a few dashes of Angostura bitters and stir again.
5. For garnish, express the oils from an orange peel over the glass, then twist it to release more flavor. Place the twisted peel in the glass as a garnish.
6. Let the drink sit for a minute to allow the flavors to merge.
7. Serve your Cherry Old Fashioned and enjoy it right away.

Note:

To make a larger batch, simply multiply the ingredients accordingly and prepare in a mixing glass. You can strain the drink into individual old fashioned glasses filled with ice cubes.