Christmas isn’t really Christmas unless you have a big bowl of delicious cherries sitting on the table to share and enjoy with your loved ones. They’re my first snack of choice on Christmas morning and go down a treat with a bite of fruit mince pie (you heard it here first).
Cherries really are the fruit of Christmas, but they’re so much more than that too. Cherries are the summer snack I look forward to most because their short, but sweet 100-day season is accompanied by (in my humble opinion) the best time of the year.
We’re talking get togethers with friends and family, summer days at the beach, long lazy holidays and lots and lots of parties. That’s why you need to take advantage of loving them while you can, you might even consider them your summer fling. So how can you make sure you’re getting the most out of cherries all summer long? Here’s our guide below:
On Their Own as a Fresh Snack
There’s no denying that cherries are perfect just as they are. You can feel good about eating them too, being the ultimate guilt-free snack that is not only sweet but good for you. Cherries are super nutritious, loaded with antioxidants and a great source of Vitamin C. So sitting down with a bowl of cherries is always a pleasure you can indulge in.
In an Indulgent Chutney
If you’re not ready to let go of your summer fling, there’s a way you can make cherry season stick around a little longer and that’s by making a tasty chutney. All you need to do is combine fresh cherries with cider vinegar, onions, brown sugar, raisins, mustard seeds, allspice, ground gloves, nutmeg and salt and boil away. Wait for it come down to room temperature and you can use the chutney on a sandwich, in salads, as a glaze or dip and then pop the rest in the fridge for future use, if there’s any left behind…
As the Hero of a Tasting Platter
Summertime is made for tasting platters and cherries make the ultimate hero on a cheese board. If you want to take your cherries up a notch, you could try a cherry and chorizo tapas plate by cooking some chorizo sausage along with garlic, lemon rind, parsley and of course, pitted cherries. Serve immediately with slices of thick bread on a dish and you’re in for a treat.
With Bircher Muesli
A Bircher muesli is a great way to kick off your morning and delectable cherries will not only make it taste amazing but provide a nutritious boost too. All you need to do is mix oats, sunflowers, sultanas, and slivered almonds in a bowl, cover the mixture in milk and soak overnight then add yoghurt and cherries the next morning. Don’t forget to sprinkle with cinnamon to taste.
In Healthy Muffins
Muffins are delicious straight out of the oven while they’re still nice and warm, but they also make an easy snack on the go snack while you’re out and about. Cherry muffins are healthy too and sure to become one of your favourite ways to enjoy them.
On Top of Bruschetta
Overhaul your traditional bruschetta by making the snack cherry-style. All you need is some sliced sourdough or rye bread, pop them in a grill brushed in some olive oil, then combine cherries, onions, lime juice and more olive oil. Put the mixture on top of the bread, sprinkle with mozzarella and grill them until the cheese melts. Eat it immediately and then thank us later.
As Part of a Salad
Not only is a salad a healthy lunch option, but with a few special additions it can easily be transformed into a crowd pleaser for your summer events. So if you’re looking for a new salad to add to your repertoire, look no further than a cherry quinoa salad with lamb. Once you’ve made your quinoa and cooked and sliced the lamb, all you need to do is combine with olive oil, lemon juice, pitted fresh cherries, spring onions, parsley, mint, pistachios, and Greek feta. Perfection.
In a Smoothie
Another great way to enjoy cherries is in a smoothie by blending them together with low fat milk or soy milk, low-fat vanilla yoghurt, cinnamon, vanilla essence, linseed, almond and sunflower meal, and ice. This makes a drink that’s not only yum but high in fibre, protein, and vitamins. A delectable way to start your day off the right way.
Don’t forget that cherries aren’t just perfect for enjoying as a snack, but they make for a wonderful gift you can share around with friends and family. So if you want to score some brownie points with your nearest and dearest, pick up some cherries on your way to making those special summer memories you’ll cherry-ish forever.
To find out more ways you can enjoy cherries as a snack, visit https://australiancherries.com.au/
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