Did you know that February is National Cherry Month? And Michigan happens to be the largest producer of Montmorency tart cherries in the country! In that spirit, we scouted around the web to find some delicious recipes the kids and entire family will love to whip up and savor together. From dinner to snacks to dessert, check out some of these gems – and show your Mitten State pride.
Kale Salad with Glazed Onions and Cheddar
If your family hasn’t tried kale, this recipe might convince them to embrace this dark, leafy superfood. From Good Housekeeping, this kale salad with glazed onions and cheddar includes pine nuts and dried tart cherries.
Apple, Pecan and Blue Cheese Salad with Dried Cherries
Here’s another mouth-watering salad recipe that uses dried cherries to lend a bit of tart sweetness to the dish. This recipe for apple, pecan and blue cheese salad with dried cherries from The Pioneer Woman has a mustard-based vinaigrette to bring all of the salad’s flavors together.
Apple-Cherry Brie Appetizer
This apple-cherry brie appetizer from Pillsbury is easy to put together and makes for an impressive pre-dinner treat. The brie cheese melds with apples, walnuts, dried cherries and cinnamon, all tucked in flaky crescent dough.
Cherry Glazed Pork Chops
Along with cherries, the real secret ingredient in this cherry glazed pork chops from Our Life in the Kitchen is fresh thyme sprigs. Bathe the pork chops in the cherry sauce for a memorable meal your whole family will love.
Beef Tenderloin with Cherry Port Sauce & Gorgonzola
For something special for your family, make this beef tenderloin with cherry port sauce and gorgonzola cheese crumbles from Campbell’s Kitchen. While the recipe looks complex, it’s fairly easy to put together for a special night with family or friends.
Chocolate-Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes
These chocolate-chocolate cherry cupcakes from The Food Network are drenched with berry flavor. Layer cherry filling with chocolate batter to make the cupcakes, and then add whipped cream and a chocolate dipped maraschino cherry. Who wants seconds?
Cupid’s Cherry Cheesecakes
These cherry cheesecakes from Kraft have only five ingredients and are so easy to put together, your kids can help you whip these up. Place Nilla Wafers on the bottom of muffin papers as the base of these hand-held cheesecakes. Top it with cherry filling to celebrate National Cherry Month with your family.