Make Summer Sweeter with Fresh Cherries

(Family Features) Summer and cherries seem to go hand-in-hand, and using fresh fruits can help boost seasonal food and drink recipes.

Whether you use them as a snack, as a special ingredient in recipes or to inspire new dishes, Northwest-grown sweet cherries are one delightful way to celebrate the summer season.

Many grocery store shelves are full of these sweet, seasonal treats. Ripened on the tree and generally harvested, packed and ready for sale within just one day, it can be difficult to find a fresher summer fruit.

Cherry recipes can be enjoyed outside the summer months, too – simply rinse, pack and freeze an extra bag or two of cherries to harness the sweet flavor and health benefits in your appetizers, desserts and sweet or savory sauces throughout the year.

Impress your guests this summer with this ice-cold Cherry Lavender Spritzer. Or try Roasted Cherry Sauce for an accompaniment to your favorite barbecued meat, as an ice cream topper or paired with a cheese plate; it’s one way to have everyone asking for more.

Find more recipes and cherry tips at nwcherries.com.

Cherry Lavender Spritzer

Servings: 6

• 4          cups pitted and halved Northwest sweet cherries
• 2          cups water
• 3          tablespoons lavender
• 2          tablespoons sugar
• 6          Northwest sweet cherries with stems
• 6          sprigs lavender blossoms

1. In small saucepan, combine cherries, water, lavender and sugar. Heat mixture until it begins to boil. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool completely. Strain and reserve liquid. 
2. For each drink, combine 4 ounces cherry-lavender mixture and 4 ounces crushed ice in tall 12-ounce cocktail glass; top each with club soda. Garnish each drink with one cherry with stem and one sprig lavender blossoms.

Variation: To make alcoholic version, shake or stir strained cherry-lavender mixture and ice with 9 ounces vodka. Strain into 8-ounce martini glasses, top each with club soda and garnish each with one cherry with stem and one sprig lavender blossoms.

Roasted Cherry Sauce

Makes: 1 cup

• 2          cups pitted Northwest sweet cherries
• 2/3       cup sugar
• 2          teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/8       teaspoon salt
• 1/8       teaspoon black pepper

1. Heat oven to 400° F. On foil-lined baking sheet, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, salt and black pepper; toss to mix.
2. Place in oven and roast until cherries start to release juices and become soft, about 10 minutes. Cool before serving.

A Friendsgiving Feast

Sides, drinks and leftovers perfect for sharing with friends

(Family Features) Friendsgiving is the perfect opportunity to celebrate your second family with festive, fun recipes that stray a bit away from traditional fare.

“Friendsgiving is often held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving,” said Chef Kevan Vetter of the McCormick Kitchens. “It’s more of a potluck party than a traditional Thanksgiving – everyone is usually assigned a dish. Instead of stuffing or a green bean casserole, bring a dish that’s a little more fun, like corn pudding with a dash of smoky heat from chipotle chili pepper.”

These recipes for a caramelized Brie and a chocolatey red wine from the McCormick kitchens are also sure to please. If your party falls after the big day, put those turkey leftovers to good use with a cheesy turkey crescent ring perfect for feeding a group of friends.

Find more recipes to share with friends this season at McCormick.com.

Chipotle Corn Pudding

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

• 1/4       cup cornstarch
• 1/4       cup sugar
• 2          teaspoons McCormick Minced Onions
• 1 1/2    teaspoons McCormick Ground Mustard
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Sicilian Sea Salt
• 1/4       teaspoon McCormick Chipotle Chili Pepper
• 4          eggs
• 1/2       cup milk
• 1/4       cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
• 2          cans (14 3/4 ounces each) creamed corn
• 1          can (15 1/4 ounces) whole- kernel corn, drained
• nonstick cooking spray

1. Heat oven to 400° F. In small bowl, mix cornstarch, sugar, onions, mustard, sea salt and chili pepper until well blended; set aside.
2. In large bowl, lightly beat eggs. Stir in milk, butter and all corn. Gently stir in cornstarch mixture until well blended. Pour into 2 1/2-quart baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Bake 1 hour, or until set, stirring halfway through cooking. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Slow Cooker Red Wine Hot Chocolate

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Servings: 14

• 1          bottle (750 milliliters) red wine
• 8          cups whole milk
• 1          can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1          package (12 ounces) dark chocolate chips
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Ground Nutmeg
• 4          McCormick Cinnamon Sticks

1. Place all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover.
2. Cook 60-70 minutes on high, or until chocolate is melted and mixture is heated through, stirring every 15 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to low. Serve from slow cooker.

Pecan Pie Brie

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Servings: 12

• 1/2       cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2       teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/8       teaspoon McCormick Ground Nutmeg
• 3          tablespoons butter, divided
• 1          cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2       cup light corn syrup
• 2          tablespoons water
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/2       teaspoon McCormick Rum Extract
• 1          wheel Brie cheese, warmed

1. In small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg until blended. Set aside.
2. In large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add pecans; toast 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low.
3. Stir remaining butter, corn syrup, water, vanilla extract, rum extract and brown sugar mixture into skillet. Cook and stir until butter is melted and mixture is heated through. Remove from heat. Mixture will thicken as it cools.
4. Spoon over warmed Brie.

Leftover Turkey Taco Crescent Ring

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 10

• 1          package McCormick Original Taco Seasoning Mix, divided
• 2          tablespoons butter
• 1          cup finely chopped onion
• 2          cups shredded, cooked turkey
• 1          can (15 1/4 ounces) whole-kernel corn, drained
• 1          can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and chilies, drained
• 1          garlic clove, minced
• 1          container (8 ounces) whipped cream cheese
• 2          cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2          packages (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

1. Heat oven to 375° F. Reserve 1 teaspoon taco seasoning mix in small bowl; set aside.
2. In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion; cook and stir 3 minutes, or until tender. Add turkey, corn, tomatoes, garlic and remaining seasoning mix. Cook and stir 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cream cheese and 1 cup shredded cheese.
3. Unroll crescent roll dough on greased or parchment paper-lined baking pan. Separate into triangles. Arrange triangles to resemble sun with center open. Press dough where bottoms of triangles overlap. Spoon turkey mixture in ring where dough overlaps. Fold triangle points over filling, tucking into bottom layer to secure. Continue until entire ring is enclosed.
4. Bake 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. In bowl, stir remaining shredded cheese into reserved seasoning mix. Remove ring from oven. Sprinkle with cheese mixture. Bake 5 minutes longer, or until cheese is melted.
6. Serve with desired toppings, such as shredded lettuce, sour cream or guacamole.

Helpful Holiday Recipes for the Home Chef

(Family Features) With everything that goes into creating a full holiday menu for guests of different ages and palates, taking on that task can be a challenge for any host. However, simple recipes that please the masses can help make life easier for home chefs.

From the main dish all the way to dessert, plus the drinks in-between, put these recipes to the test to help make your holiday gathering a breeze. Put your adult guests at ease with a cranberry-flavored cocktail, followed by a main course made sweet thanks to this turkey brine. As things come to a close, finish off any leftover appetites with a quick cookie recipe.

To help make your holiday hosting easier, find more tips and recipes at Culinary.net.

Dessert in a Snap

After spending hours preparing appetizers, drinks and the main course for holiday get-togethers, many hosts are ready to call it quits in the kitchen. However, that won’t stop guests from getting those late cravings for a tasty treat. If you’re looking for a reprieve from being the lead chef, go for a quick dessert like these Gingersnap cookies, which take just 10 minutes to bake and can leave hosts with more time to mingle. For more quick, nutritious recipes for every meal, visit AICR.org.

Gingersnaps

Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research
Yield: 24 cookies

• 3/4       cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2       cup whole-wheat pastry flour
• 1/2       teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/4    teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2       teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/3       cup dairy-free butter shortening sticks
• 1/2       cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons, divided
• 2          tablespoons unsulphured molasses
• 1          large egg white
• Glaze (optional):
• 1/3       cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2          teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In mixing bowl, whisk flours, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, pepper and salt.
3. In separate bowl, use electric mixer on medium-high speed to beat shortening sticks with 1/2 cup sugar 2 minutes. Add molasses and egg white; beat 3 minutes. Set mixer on low speed and mix in dry ingredients to combine. Don’t over-mix. Batter will form soft ball.
4. Place remaining sugar in wide, shallow bowl. Pinch about 1 tablespoon batter and roll it between palms, forming 1-inch ball. Place ball in bowl with sugar and roll to coat then place on light-colored, ungreased baking sheet. Repeat, spacing balls 2 inches apart. Discard leftover sugar. Using bottom of a glass, press to flatten each ball into 1-by-3-inch disks.
5. Bake cookies 10 minutes.
6. To make glaze, if desired: While cookies bake, in small bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar with lemon juice, mixing until sugar is completely dissolved.
7. When cookies are done, immediately use spatula to transfer to wire cooling racks. Using tip of knife, spread 1/4 teaspoon glaze on top of each warm cookie. Cool completely.

Note: Can be stored in cookie tin up to 1 week.

Cranberry Cocktail Cravings

If holiday cocktails are on your menu, give guests a twist on a classic with this Cranberry Moscow Mule made with Nemiroff Original Vodka. This premium vodka is bold with a smooth, full-bodied finish that hints of citrus and fruit. Combined with cranberry juice and ginger beer, it’s an ideal holiday cocktail. Find more holiday cocktail options at nemiroff.vodka.

Cranberry Moscow Mule

• 1          part Nemiroff Original Vodka
• 1          part cranberry juice cocktail
• 2          parts ginger beer
• 1          tablespoon lime juice
• ice
• orange wedges, for garnish (optional)
• fresh cranberries, for garnish (optional)
• rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)

1. Pour vodka, cranberry juice cocktail, ginger beer and lime juice into copper mug filled with ice. Gently stir to combine.
2. Garnish with orange wedges, fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs, if desired.

A Sweeter Centerpiece

A holiday meal is only complete with the centerpiece of the table: a tender turkey that side dishes and desserts can complement for guests of all palates. For a new twist on a holiday classic, add some sweetness to your main course with a Sweet Tea Turkey Brine, featuring Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea. It’s freshly brewed from real tea leaves using simple, quality ingredients free from preservatives, colors or added acids. The family- and certified women-owned business offers a multitude of beverages, all with the same dedication to quality and excellence. Find more information and recipes at drinkmilos.com.

Milo’s Sweet Tea Turkey Brine

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes per pound

• 1          gallon Milo’s Sweet Tea
• 1          cup kosher salt
• 3          large sweet onions, quartered
• 4          lemons, sliced
• 8          garlic cloves, peeled
• 5          sprigs rosemary
• 10        cups ice
• 1          turkey

1. In large stock pot over medium heat, combine tea and kosher salt. Stir frequently until salt is dissolved. Add onion, lemon, garlic and rosemary. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
2. When brine has cooled, pour into food-grade, 5-gallon plastic container. Stir in ice.
3. Wash and dry turkey. Remove innards. Place turkey, cavity-side up, into brine, making sure cavity gets filled. Cover and place bucket in refrigerator overnight.
4. Heat oven to 350° F.
5. Remove turkey from brine, draining excess, and pat dry. Discard excess brine.
6. Cook turkey 15-20 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 165° F on instant-read thermometer, reserving drippings for gravy.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Gingersnaps and Turkey Brine)

Hosting and Toasting

Quick, refreshing recipes to entertain without missing the party

(Family Features) Whether you’re hosting a small weekend get-together, a large gathering or anything in between, entertaining friends and family will always provide an opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime. However, no host wants to miss out on the highlights because of an endless to-do list in the kitchen. With the right recipes and refreshments, it’s easy to throw a successful, enjoyable dinner party for both you and your guests.

One way to take the guesswork out of meal planning is by starting with the wine you’re planning to serve and working backwards. Chardonnay is a favorite varietal of many wine lovers, and Edna Valley Vineyard has crafted award-winning, food-friendly Chardonnay from California’s central coast for more than 35 years. Featuring bright layers of white peach and apricot alongside notes of pineapple and brown spice, this white wine is a sure bet to complement a range of dishes and elevate any meal.

One savory example that pairs perfectly with Chardonnay is Grilled Panzanella Salad – a quick and delicious dish that can serve a small group using a few basic ingredients and leftover bread. For a bright, decadent option that holds up well at room temperature, try a side of Orzo with Lemon, Brie and Toasted Pine Nuts. Last but not least, whip up this simple Chicken Thighs and Tomatoes recipe for a hearty entree to round out the meal and complement your wine selection.

Live a life in balance
Particularly during the busiest times of year, finding the right balance is crucial. With all the time spent on work and personal obligations, it is important to remember what matters most – family, friends and the things that make you happy. Here are three ways to prioritize your individual interests and live a life in balance:

• Reconnect with loved ones regularly. Actively schedule quality time with family and friends. Set up a date with your significant other, have lunch to reconnect with a friend or invite a small group over for a glass of Chardonnay on the porch.
• Do something you enjoy. Spending even a few minutes each day to appreciate something that brings you pleasure – whether it’s a good book, gardening or preparing a delicious meal, for example – is an important way to ensure your own interests fit into the balancing act called life.
• Treat yourself. Get a pedicure or facial, schedule a massage or buy a new outfit. It doesn’t need to be costly; a simple glass of wine, cup of your favorite coffee or tea, scented candle or fragrant bouquet can make a big impact.

For more easy entertaining recipes and ideas, visit EdnaValleyVineyard.com.