What's in Season: Cherries

The cherry season is June-August. Enjoy them fresh while you can. Fortunately, cherries have grown in popularity and are available in juice and dried. Make sure to read the labels to ensure they are 100 percent juices and all-natural. Here are some more ideas for adding cherries to your family meals:

1. Appetizer: Cherry salsa and chips. Chop and combine with lime juice: cherries (pitted), yellow bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and jalapeno (optional). Serve with tortilla chips.

2. Smoothies: Combine: cherry juice, orange juice, banana and yogurt/silken tofu - Blend

3. Salads: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of fresh or dried cherries on any type of tossed salad. Dried cherries taste awesome with blue, feta or goat cheese too!

4.Veggies: Steam baby carrots and 1/4 cup of dried cherries. Add a dash of nutmeg and ginger. Toss with a little maple syrup.

5. Side dish: Add 1/4 cup of dried cherries to any rice pilaf, couscous or stuffing recipe.

6. Bake cherries (fresh or dried) into cakes, cookies and muffins.

7. Fancy: Dip one-half of each cherry with stem into melted chocolate or carob and chill for a special cherry candy, garnish or dessert.

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