Very Cherry Recipes for National Cherry Month

It may or may not be true that George Washington actually chopped down his father’s favorite cherry tree; however, it is true that February is National Cherry Month - no fooling! I’m as surprised as you are to learn this, especially since cherries aren’t in season until summer. 

We won’t let that discourage us though as cherries are available in many forms – dried; in chutneys, salsas and preserves; canned; and in wines, which makes them versatile and enjoyable year round. 

With their sweet and tart qualities, cherries can be enjoyed in desserts and in savory dishes. Here’s a couple of recipes to help you enjoy cherries this month.

Baked Brie with Balsamic Cherries

Baked Brie with Balsamic Cherries
The beauty of this recipe is that it only takes four ingredients to create this easy cheesy appetizer.

1 wheel of Brie cheese
½ cup cherry preserves
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Baguette slices or crackers for serving

Heat the oven to 400 F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Slice off the top of the Brie. Place bottom of Brie on baking sheet.

In a small bowl, combine preserves and balsamic vinegar. Spoon mixture over the center of the Brie. Place top of Brie loosely over mixture.

Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until cheese has melted. Transfer to a serving plate. Serve immediately with crackers, baguette slices, etc.

Cherry Crumble Bars 

Cherry Crumble Bars
Buttery oats plus yellow cake mix create the crust and crumbles on top. These bars would also be great with apple or peach pie filling – and again, you only need four ingredients!

1 package yellow cake mix
2 ½ cups quick-cooking oats
¾ cup butter, melted
1 can cherry pie filling

Heat oven to 375 F. Line a 9”x 13” baking dish with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine cake mix and oats. Add melted butter, and stir until crumbly.

Press down 2/3 of the crumbs onto the bottom of the pan. Carefully spread cherry pie filling over the crumb crust. 

Sprinkle remaining crumbs over pie filling, and press down gently.

Bake for 18-23 minutes or until light golden brown.

Have a cherry delicious week!