So, you have some lemons and cherries on hand, and you’re looking for some delightful recipes to make the most of these flavors? Well, you’re in luck! Lemons and cherries are a wonderful combination that offers a perfect balance between tartness and sweetness. In this article, we will explore a variety of delicious lemon cherry recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family. From refreshing beverages to delectable desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Lemon Cherry Recipes:
1. Lemon Cherry Scones:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Cut in 1/2 cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of dried cherries and the zest of one lemon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and shape it into a circle. Cut into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with cream and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy these scones warm with a cup of tea or coffee!
2. Cherry Lemonade:
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves to make a simple syrup.
- In a blender, puree 2 cups of pitted cherries until smooth.
- Strain the cherry puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids.
- In a pitcher, combine the cherry puree, simple syrup, 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 4 cups of cold water. Stir well.
- Serve the cherry lemonade over ice, garnished with lemon slices and whole cherries. This refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days!
3. Lemon Cherry Chicken:
- Season 4 chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup of chicken broth, the juice of one lemon, and 1/4 cup of chopped cherries. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the cherry lemon sauce.
- Serve the lemon cherry chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair it with rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
4. Cherry Lemon Bars:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in 1/2 cup of cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Meanwhile, whisk together 2 eggs, 1 cup of sugar, the zest of one lemon, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
- Fold in 2 tablespoons of flour and 1/2 cup of chopped cherries.
- Pour the cherry lemon mixture over the baked crust and return to the oven for an additional 20-25 minutes.
- Once cooled, dust the bars with powdered sugar and cut into squares. These cherry lemon bars are a delightful treat for any occasion!
5. Lemon Cherry Quinoa Salad:
- Cook 1 cup of quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, 1 cup of halved cherries, 1/4 cup of chopped almonds, and the zest of one lemon.
- In a small jar, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of honey, and a pinch of salt.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss to combine.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This refreshing and nutritious dish is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries in recipes?
Yes, you can substitute fresh cherries for dried cherries in most recipes. Just keep in mind that fresh cherries may add more moisture to the dish, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
2. How long will cherry lemonade keep in the refrigerator?
Cherry lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, as the ingredients may separate over time.
3. Can I use frozen cherries in place of fresh cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries in recipes that call for fresh cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain the cherries before using them to prevent excess moisture.
4. Are there any variations I can make to the lemon cherry chicken recipe?
You can add additional herbs or spices to the cherry lemon sauce for extra flavor, such as thyme, rosemary, or red pepper flakes. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
5. How can I amp up the flavor of the cherry lemon bars?
Consider adding a drizzle of lemon glaze over the bars once they have cooled for an extra burst of lemon flavor. Simply mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency and drizzle it over the bars before serving.
In conclusion, these lemon cherry recipes are a wonderful way to showcase the vibrant flavors of these fruits in various dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or refreshing, there’s a recipe here for you to try. So, gather your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!