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Cherries
Fresh, local cherries - whether swooningly sweet or bracingly tart - are some of seasonal eating's most tempting treats. Try these easy recipes for making the most of the all-too-short cherry season, which runs for a few weeks starting in May in warmer areas and July in cooler climates.
All About Cherries
Fresh, local cherries are the shining jewels of late spring and summer fruit. Learn what to look for at the market, different varieties, and find ways to use your haul below.
How to Pit Cherries - Pit a Cherry Without a Pitter
See the easiest way to pit cherries without a cherry pitter (and end up with whole fruit!).
How to Freeze Cherries
See how easy it is to freeze cherries with this guide.
Cherry Varieties
Not all cherries are equal. While some are great for baking, others turn into mealy mush if put in a pie. If buying at a farmers market and in doubt, ask the grower how best to use the cherries you find.
Cherry Varieties – From Bing to Rainier
Sweet, sour, bing, Rainier - learn about all different cherries with this guide.
Sweet Cherries
All sweet cherries are best eaten out of hand, popped into you mouth as a snack or simple dessert. See when to expect which sweet cherries below.
Cherry Clafoutis
Cherry Clafoutis (a.k.a. cherry clafouti) is an easy, delicious, traditional French dessert made at the height of cherry season.
Cherry Gin and Tonic
Muddled cherries add a whole new flavor to the classic gin and tonic.
Cherry Margarita
These cherry margaritas use muddled (and strained) cherries instead for a sophisticated summer quencher.
Cherry Pit Vinegar
Make use of cherry pits with this delicious cherry-flavored cherry pit vinegar.
Cherry Smoothie
Fresh cherries are tasty in this smoothie, but frozen ones are even better - they add a lovely icy-ness.
Classic Manhattan Cocktail
If you put up brandied cherries, use them in this cocktail!
Fresh Black Cherry Tart
Black cherries are scarcely better than when eaten fresh -- and this tart handles them minimally. Pitted cherries are arranged in a baked tart shell and drizzled with a vanilla cherry-juice glaze
Rainier Cherry Salad
Bright blushing Rainier cherries look fabulous on a bed of salad greens, and their juicy sweetness pairs perfectly with creamy buttermilk dressing.
Sour Cherry Cobbler
Quick but old-fashioned, sour cherries shine under the influence of bourbon in this biscuit-crowned cobbler.
Sour Cherry Turnovers
Sour cherries are only available for a few weeks a year and are perfectly delicious tucked into these Sour Cherry Turnovers.
Spiced Brandied Cherries
Preserve the taste of sweet and tangy summer cherries with this easy recipe for brandied cherries.