Cherraisins

What would YOU call dried cherries?

Here is what lied in store for the 10 lbs. of cherries we bought at the Gorge. What will we do with an end result of two quarts + of dried cherries, or cherraisins, you ask? Trail mix, dried soup recipes, apple/cherry chutnies, oatmeal toppings, share with friends, barter, baked goods. You name it!

Here is Lee pitting, Kerry halving, Kerry placing. We had 10 lbs of Bings, and about 2 pounds of Rainiers from friend John's tree. We are drying them for him in return for few to keep.

Bowl of pitted rainiers, JAR O' PITS! And end result. Beautiful.

Here is a GREAT recipe I learned from a restaurant owning friend: Cherry & Apple Chutney with Brie and Chibatta. Its not very accurate in terms of quantities, but you can add however much of each thing to taste.

Dice up an apple (granny smith tends to work best for me)

Dice up some dried cherries

Saute fruit in pan with some white wine, reduce all the way down

Meanwhile, broil some chibatta with brie on top until melted

Place a bit of chutney on top

DELICIOUS