Summer has finally arrived, and with it comes a sweet treat that’s perfect for warm weather – Rainier cherries! These tart-sweet gems are bursting with flavor and can be used in a variety of delicious recipes. From sweet treats like cookies and jam to savory dishes like salads and pizzas, Rainier cherries add a pop of color and flavor to any meal. In this article, we’ll explore 17 mouthwatering ways to use Rainier cherries in your cooking and baking. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a show-stopping dessert, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Read on to discover the perfect way to enjoy Rainier cherries all summer long!
Rainier Cherry Clafoutis
This sweet and tangy dessert is a perfect way to showcase the flavor of Rainier cherries. With its puffed, golden-brown top and juicy cherry filling, this clafoutis is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh Rainier cherries, pitted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the heavy cream, eggs, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
4. Arrange the cherries in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Pour the batter over the cherries.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Rainier Cherry and Almond Tart
Rainier Cherry and Almond Tart Recipe
A sweet and tangy tart that combines the flavors of Rainier cherries, almonds, and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup Rainier cherries, pitted
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, orange zest, and salt. Sprinkle evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Arrange cherries and almonds on top of the sugar mixture in a single layer.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a crust, pressing gently to seal.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Grilled Rainier Cherry and Chicken Salad
Elevate your salad game with this refreshing summer recipe, combining the sweetness of grilled Rainier cherries with juicy chicken and crunchy greens.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1 pint Rainier cherries, pitted
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp honey
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush chicken with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, brush Rainier cherries with honey, then grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until slightly caramelized.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, grilled chicken, and grilled cherries.
5. Top with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and sprinkle with chopped fresh mint leaves.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Rainier Cherry Vanilla Jam
This jam is a perfect blend of sweet Rainier cherries and creamy vanilla, making it a delicious addition to toast, yogurt, or as a topping for ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Rainier cherries, pitted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 package (0.25 oz) powdered pectin
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine cherries, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Add powdered pectin and stir to combine.
5. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
6. Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to a clean jar.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rainier Cherry Sorbet
Transforming sweet and tart Rainier cherries into a refreshing sorbet is a simple yet impressive dessert to make.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Rainier cherries, pitted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the cherries until smooth.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherry puree, sugar, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Let cool to room temperature.
5. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Once frozen, scoop and serve.
Cooking Time: None (chilling time not included)
Tips:
– Use fresh Rainier cherries for the best flavor.
– Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.
– If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture in a shallow metal pan and then blend it in a food processor once frozen.
Rainier Cherry and Goat Cheese Bruschetta
Elevate your appetizer game with this sweet and savory combination of Rainier cherries, tangy goat cheese, and crispy baguette slices.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint Rainier cherries, pitted
– 8 oz goat cheese, crumbled
– 4-6 baguette slices
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the bread, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until toasted and slightly crispy.
5. Top each bread slice with crumbled goat cheese, chopped mint leaves, and a few Rainier cherries.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Rainier Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the sweetness of Rainier cherries and dark chocolate chips, perfect for a snack or dessert. With a hint of tartness from the cherries, these treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup Rainier cherries, pitted and chopped
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in chopped cherries and chocolate chips.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Rainier Cherry and Arugula Pizza
Rainier Cherry and Arugula Pizza Recipe
This sweet and savory pizza combines the natural sweetness of Rainier cherries with the peppery flavor of arugula, all on a crispy crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 1/2 cup Rainier cherries, pitted
– 4 oz fresh arugula leaves
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
3. Spread olive oil evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around edges.
4. Arrange arugula leaves on top of the crust.
5. Scatter Rainier cherries and Parmesan cheese over the arugula.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Rainier Cherry Lemonade
This recipe combines the sweetness of Rainier cherries with the tartness of lemonade, creating a unique and delicious drink perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen Rainier cherries, pitted
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the cherries until smooth.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the cherry puree, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the water to the pitcher and stir well.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve the Rainier Cherry Lemonade over ice cubes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing drink is ready to serve as soon as you’ve mixed all the ingredients together and chilled it in the fridge.
Rainier Cherry and Coconut Smoothie
Get ready to blend up a refreshing treat that’s perfect for warm weather! This sweet and creamy smoothie combines the sweetness of Rainier cherries with the richness of coconut milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen Rainier cherries
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (as needed)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the cherries, coconut milk, Greek yogurt, and honey.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
4. Blend again until the ice is crushed and the smoothie is the desired thickness.
5. Pour into glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes (blending time only)
Rainier Cherry BBQ Sauce
Sweet and tangy, this Rainier Cherry BBQ Sauce is perfect for slathering on ribs, chicken, or pork chops.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup Rainier cherries, pitted and chopped
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt.
2. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add the chopped Rainier cherries and whisk until well combined.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat.
5. Reduce heat to low and let sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Yield: 2 cups
Rainier Cherry and Brie Phyllo Cups
Sweet and savory meet in these elegant Rainier Cherry and Brie Phyllo Cups. Flaky phyllo pastry wraps around a creamy brie filling, topped with tart cherry compote for a delightful flavor combination.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 8 oz brie cheese, softened
– 1 cup Rainier cherries, pitted
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Unroll phyllo dough and cut into 12 equal pieces.
3. Place a piece of phyllo on a flat surface, brush with melted butter, and top with a small amount of brie cheese.
4. Fold the phyllo into a triangle or rectangle shape, pressing edges to seal.
5. Arrange phyllo cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. While phyllo cups are baking, mix pitted cherries with honey and lemon juice in a small bowl.
8. Remove phyllo cups from oven and let cool slightly.
9. Spoon cherry compote on top of each cup and serve.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Rainier Cherry Yogurt Parfait
Combine the sweet flavors of Rainier cherries with creamy yogurt and crunchy granola for a quick and easy dessert. Perfect for warm weather or as a pick-me-up snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1/2 cup Rainier cherry halves
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 cup granola
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt and honey until well combined.
2. Spoon half of the yogurt mixture into a glass or parfait dish.
3. Arrange a layer of Rainier cherry halves on top of the yogurt.
4. Sprinkle 1/8 cup of granola over the cherries.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 to create a second layer.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh mint, if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None
Rainier Cherry and Pecan Bread
Savor the sweet and nutty flavors of this delicious bread, perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 cup Rainier cherries, pitted and chopped
– 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine butter, sugar, eggs, and milk; mix until smooth.
4. Add chopped cherries and pecans to the wet ingredients; stir until well combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Rainier Cherry Bourbon Cocktail
Savor the sweetness of Rainier cherries infused with the warmth of bourbon in this refreshing cocktail perfect for warm evenings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
– 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
– 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup Rainier Cherries, pitted
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add the pitted Rainier cherries to the shaker and muddle gently with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their flavor and color.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None
Rainier Cherry Chia Pudding
This light and creamy pudding is infused with the sweet flavor of Rainier cherries, perfect for hot summer days. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a healthy and delicious dessert that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup chia seeds
– 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup Rainier cherries, pitted
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together chia seeds, almond milk, and honey. Stir well to combine.
2. Add the vanilla extract and stir again.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the mixture to thicken.
4. Just before serving, fold in the Rainier cherries.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
Rainier Cherry and Thyme Galette
Rainier Cherry and Thyme Galette Recipe
A sweet and savory twist on the classic cherry pie, this Rainier Cherry and Thyme Galette is perfect for a summer evening dessert. The combination of tart cherries, fragrant thyme, and flaky pastry crust is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Rainier cherries, pitted
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, combine cherries, sugar, honey, and salt. Toss to coat.
3. Roll out the pastry crust to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
4. Spread the cherry mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle thyme evenly over the cherries.
6. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
7. Brush the crust with ice-cold water and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet taste of summer with these 17 delicious Rainier cherry recipes! From classic desserts like clafoutis and jam to refreshing drinks like lemonade and smoothies, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at making a tart or bruschetta, or get adventurous with grilled chicken salad and BBQ sauce. And don’t forget about sweet treats like cookies, sorbet, and chia pudding. Whatever your taste buds desire, Rainier cherries are the perfect ingredient to make it happen.