Total Pageviews

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

10 lb Cherry Challenge: Mini Cherry Cobblers and Mojitos

Fresh and simple Asian cooking A few weeks ago I had been lamenting the fact that I hadn\u2019t had a chance to bake much this summer. The heat wave in July just about zapped all the cooking energy out of me. Summers should be filled with homemade pies, cobblers, and sorbets, but I had been resorting to the store-bought versions instead. Which was sad, given all the bright beautiful fruits in the markets.

Or as my friend Dave said a few weeks ago,\u201DIt\u2019s one of life\u2019s great tragedies that the best season for food is the worst season for cooking.\u201D

But August? August has been almost perfect, weather-wise. Some nights have even started to feel like fall, which I\u2019m 100% happy about. So when my friend Veronica asked me to be a part of the Cherry Challenge that her company OXO was sponsoring with Northwest Cherry Growers, to be sent 10 lbs of cherries and equipment for making cherry-filled goodies, I was game. 

 

","engine":"visual"}'>

A few weeks ago I had been lamenting the fact that I hadn’t had a chance to bake much this summer. The heat wave in July just about zapped all the cooking energy out of me. Summers should be filled with homemade pies, cobblers, and sorbets, but I had been resorting to the store-bought versions instead. Which was sad, given all the bright beautiful fruits in the markets.

Or as my friend Dave said a few weeks ago,”It’s one of life’s great tragedies that the best season for food is the worst season for cooking.”

But August? August has been almost perfect, weather-wise. Some nights have even started to feel like fall, which I’m 100% happy about. So when my friend Veronica asked me to be a part of the Cherry Challenge that her company OXO was sponsoring with Northwest Cherry Growers, to be sent 10 lbs of cherries and equipment for making cherry-filled goodies, I was game. 

Yes, these tasted as good as they look.  

Last weekend a few friends came by to eat and drink and hang out before the Beck concert in Prospect Park. I made mini cherry cobblers in little ramekins. The cherry pitting was a bit challenging, though the OXO cherry pitters and nesting bowls made the job easier. I didn't have brandy on hand to add to the cherry filling, but a splash of white rum worked splendidly. Note to self: have vanilla ice cream on hand, always!

It was my first time baking with fruit this summer and most likely won't be my last.

 

","engine":"visual"}">

Yes, these tasted as good as they look.  

Last weekend a few friends came by to eat and drink and hang out before the Beck concert in Prospect Park. I made mini cherry cobblers in little ramekins. The cherry pitting was a bit challenging, though the OXO cherry pitters and nesting bowls made the job easier. I didn't have brandy on hand to add to the cherry filling, but a splash of white rum worked splendidly. Note to self: have vanilla ice cream on hand, always!

It was my first time baking with fruit this summer and most likely won't be my last.

We also made cherry mojitos by muddling cherries and adding the usual mojito ingredients. (Rum seemed to be the 2nd theme of the day.)

","engine":"visual"}'>

We also made cherry mojitos by muddling cherries and adding the usual mojito ingredients. (Rum seemed to be the 2nd theme of the day.)

The recipes from the other Cherry Challenge participants will be up on Facebook on Tuesday, so you can go and vote for your favorites. Check out the other participants here! (Recipes following the list.)

thesweetsensations.comgirlichef.comnoblepig.comhungrycouplenyc.blogspot.comappetiteforchina.comeat-your-heart-out.netnibblesandfeasts.comdiethood.comblushandjelly.comeat-drink-love.comseaweedandsassafras.comcrunchycreamysweet.comtasteloveandnourish.commrsregueiro.comnatashaskitchen.commaedeforyou.blogspot.com52kitchenadventures.combrighteyedbaker.comsweet-remedy.companfusine.commeandmypinkmixer.com

_________________________________

Mini Cherry Cobblers

Makes 12

Cherry filling

6 cups cherries, pitted1/4 cup sugar1/3 cup all-purpose flour2 ounces white rum

Topping

1/2 cup all-purpose flour1/4 cup sugar1/4 cup light brown sugar1 stick unsalted butter, melted1 pinch sea saltPreheat the oven to 350 degrees F.In a large mixing bowl, mix together the pitted cherries, sugar, flour, and white rum.In another large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, light brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Mix until the topping is well-combined and a bit crumbly.Butter twelve 3.5-inch ramekins. Divide the cherry filling evenly between the ramekins, filling each about 3/4 of the way. Add the crumbly topping evenly between the ramekins. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool for at least 20 minutes before eating. Serve warm or at room temperature.

__________________________

Cherry Mojitos

Makes 1 drink

8 cherries, pitted15 to 20 mint leaves, plus a nice sprig for garnish1 teaspoon sugar1 ounce fresh lime juice2 ounces light rumClub sodaIn a cocktail shaker, muddle the cherries with the mint, sugar, lime, and rum. (If you'd like a stronger cherry flavor, muddle the cherries with the rum, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours before combining with the sugar and lime.) Add a few ice cubes. Shake well and strain into a glass with ice. Top off with club soda and serve.

 

","engine":"visual"}">

The recipes from the other Cherry Challenge participants will be up on Facebook on Tuesday, so you can go and vote for your favorites. Check out the other participants here! (Recipes following the list.)

_________________________________

Makes 12

Cherry filling

6 cups cherries, pitted1/4 cup sugar1/3 cup all-purpose flour2 ounces white rum

Topping

1/2 cup all-purpose flour1/4 cup sugar1/4 cup light brown sugar1 stick unsalted butter, melted1 pinch sea saltPreheat the oven to 350 degrees F.In a large mixing bowl, mix together the pitted cherries, sugar, flour, and white rum.In another large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, light brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Mix until the topping is well-combined and a bit crumbly.Butter twelve 3.5-inch ramekins. Divide the cherry filling evenly between the ramekins, filling each about 3/4 of the way. Add the crumbly topping evenly between the ramekins. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool for at least 20 minutes before eating. Serve warm or at room temperature.

__________________________

Makes 1 drink

8 cherries, pitted15 to 20 mint leaves, plus a nice sprig for garnish1 teaspoon sugar1 ounce fresh lime juice2 ounces light rumClub sodaIn a cocktail shaker, muddle the cherries with the mint, sugar, lime, and rum. (If you'd like a stronger cherry flavor, muddle the cherries with the rum, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours before combining with the sugar and lime.) Add a few ice cubes. Shake well and strain into a glass with ice. Top off with club soda and serve.Black Garlic Soba Noodles ?

View the original article here

No comments:

Post a Comment