Celebrate the Cherry Blossoms with Cherry Recipes

Are you still knee-deep in snow? I am, too! Warm weather is just around the bend, though. That also means the soul-reviving splendor of the upcoming Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival. In anticipation of the marvelous spring season and all things cherry of course -- check out these fun, spirit-lifting recipes. Bid adieu to winter while sipping cherry martinis. In addition, whip up some heavenly cherry mango salsa. Think spring with an easy-to-make cherry muffin recipe.

Health Benefits of Cherries

Yep -- cherries are your sweet-treat friend with health benefits. Cherries are moving up in rank among the healthful super fruits. Grab a package and read the label. These amazing little fruit gems contain vitamin A, calcium, iron, potassium, folate, and an antioxidant known as melatonin. Many believe melatonin may aid in the promotion of natural sleep patterns. You can learn more about the healthful benefits of cherries here.

Keep Dried Cherries on Hand

I love sweet or sour cherries equally. Unfortunately, in Massachusetts, it is rare to find cherries in the local grocery stores during winter months. Thank heavens for dried cherries, though. I always keep a package of dried cherries in the pantry. I eat them right out of the bag. I like to use them in cooking and baking, too. Dried cherries are really an overall versatile fruit.

Cherry Mango Salsa

What You Will Need - Makes 2 Cups

1/2 pound sweet or sour cherries (pitted/coarsely chopped)
1/2 lime (juiced)
1/2 red onion (minced)
1 tablespoon jalapeno pepper (seeds removed/finely chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
1 fresh mango (diced)
Pinch of salt and pepper (can use salt substitute)

Directions

Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl. Stir gently until well blended. Transfer to a container with a lid. Refrigerate about two hours. Serve with warmed tortilla chips or wheat crackers.

Cherry Martini

What You Will Need

1 1/2 oz brandy
1/2 oz cherry brandy
1 1/2 teaspoon triple sec
1 1/12 teaspoon Grenadine
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 cherry
Ice cubes

Directions

Add all ingredients to a shaker, except the cherry. Shake and strain into a martini glass. For fun, moisten the rim of the glass (before pouring the martini) with cherry brandy. Gently rub the rim in powdered sugar. Use the cherry as garnish.

Easy Dried Cherry Muffins

What You Will Need

4 1/2 teaspoons shortening
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup dried cherries (coarsely chopped)

Cooking Directions

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray muffin tin with cooking spray or use paper liners.

2) In a mixing bowl, and using an electric mixer, beat the shortening and sugar until smooth, then beat in the egg. In a separate small bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt. Add this to the shortening/sugar/egg mixture a bit at a time, alternately adding buttermilk. Gently fold in the dried cherries.

3) Fill muffin cups about 3/4 full with batter. Bake 20-25 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick. If the muffins
are ready, the toothpick will be clean. Let cool for about 5 minutes.

Here's to Spring!