The first cherries of the season, Bing Cherries, appeared at farmers markets this weekend. It won’t be long before Queen Anne Cherries, also known as Ranier Cherries and White Cherries, join them. Although I love cooking with cherries–they are especially delicious paired with fresh corn, wild salmon, rare duck and wild rice–I have to eat my fill of them neat before I have the slightest inclination to enjoy them any other way. It takes a while.
When I do cook with cherries, these are some of my favorite dishes, from the Seasonal Pantry archives. When it comes to wine with any of the savory dishes, a Russian River Valley pinot noir makes a perfect companion.
My first cherries, purchased at the Sebastopol Farmers Market and placed in a black heart-shaped bowl made by Architectural Design Ceramics
Grilled Salmon with Bing Cherries
Seared Duck Breast with Cherry-Basil Sauce
Grilled Duck Breast with Cherries & Wild Rice
Duck Legs Roasted with Bing Cherries
Cherry Custard Tart (Clafoutis aux Cerises)
Cherries Jubilee with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
