Cherry Berry

Romans discovered the sweet cherry fruit in the Asia Minor in about 70 BC. They then introduced them in the first century AD to Britain. The German word Kirsch-the cherry liqueur comes from the word karshu. This is the name given to the cherries that were first cultivated in Mesopotamia in 8 BC. 

Tart cherries, enjoyed as dried and frozen cherries and cherry juice, have among the highest levels of powerful antioxidants compared to other fruits. They also contain other important nutrients such as beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium and fiber.

Since the cherry fruit bruises easily, you need to handle them with care. When buying cherries, look for a bright color and those with a supple exterior. Cherries, which are plump and firm, are very good to taste. If you are looking for good quality cherries, try to go in for cherries with their green stems attached. Cherries are very easily perishable and they rarely ripen after harvest. Therefore, you need to refrigerate them soon after their purchase. These can remain fresh in the fridge for at least 2 days.

Here is a recipe of Chocolate Cherry Truffles:

Ingredients:

# 1/3 cup Whipped Cream
# 2 tbsp Butter
# 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
# 10 squares Semi-Sweet Chocolate
# 24 Fresh ripe Cherries with stems
# Chocolate Coating

Method:

1. Combine cream, butter and sugar; bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat.

2. Add chocolate. Stir until melted. Chill mixture until firm enough to handle for 3 to 4 hours.


3. Wrap each cherry in about 1 teaspoon truffle mixture. Chill Chocolate Coating.


4. Partially melt chocolate over hot water. Remove from heat and continue stirring until completely melted.


5. Dip cherries in melted chocolate; place on waxed paper lined tray. Chill to set chocolate.

Here is a recipe of Chocolate-Topped Bars Cake:

Ingredients:

# 500 gm refrigerated sugar cookies
# 3 eggs
# 250 gm cream cheese, softened
# 1/2 litre sweetened condensed milk
# 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
# 3 drops red food colour
# 20 fresh ripe cherries, finely chopped, drained on paper towels
# 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
# 1/2 cup butter or margarine
# 1/2 cup whipping cream

Method:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. In ungreased pan, break up cookie dough. With floured fingers, press dough evenly in bottom of pan to form crust. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown.

2. Meanwhile, in small bowl, beat 1 egg white until frothy. Brush egg white over crust. Bake 3 minutes longer or until egg white is set.

3. Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add egg yolk, 2 eggs, the condensed milk, almond extract and food colour; beat until well blended. Stir in chopped cherries.

4. Pour cherry mixture evenly over crust. Bake 16 to 20 minutes longer or until set. Cool completely, about 45 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, in medium saucepan, heat chocolate chips and butter over low heat, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Cool 20 minutes.

6. Stir whipping cream into chocolate mixture until well blended. Spread over cooled bars. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until chocolate is set.


7. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 6 rows. Store in refrigerator.

Cherries are very versatile fruits and can be a part of any meal or dessert. From breakfast to soups and salads, these find their way into any food item easily! Being delicious, these can be frozen and devoured whenever you wish

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