FEBRUARY 14, 2024
Guilt-Free, Superfruit Snacking Sweet treats made to permissibly indulge
Make Fresh Ricotta in Your Kitchen BY DONNA ERICKSON When I hear “I made it from scratch!” at a gathering, my first instinct is to assume that it must have taken a lot of time to prepare the tasty-looking dish coming my way down the table. But I also think, “Oh, it must be extra good!” Here’s where I’m going with this: Do you love ricotta cheese in lasagna or as a spread on crostini toasts, topped with a drizzle of olive oil and savory delights for a quick appetizer? You can make ricotta yourself! Prepare it in your kitchen from start to finish in less than an hour
FAMILY FEATURES For many, enjoying a small indulgence can serve as a reward for a job well done or a moodboosting pick-me-up. In fact, mindful snacking is on-trend for a majority of consumers. According to Mondelez International’s Fourth Annual State of Snacking Global Consumer Trends Study, 78% are choosing small indulgences to pamper themselves and 68% are checking nutrition labels on snacks. With today’s changing palates and the growing demand for sour, less sweet foods and beverages, a superfruit like tart cherries can help snackers permissibly indulge without the guilt. Primarily grown on small family farms in the United States, Montmorency tart cherries – also referred to as sour cherries – are available year-round in dried, juice and juice concentrate, canned and frozen forms. More than 110 scientific research studies show Montmorency tart cherries are a superfruit. In addition to their sweet-sour taste and unique nutrient profile, research suggests tart cherries – one of the few natural food sources of melatonin – may help improve sleep, aid in exercise recovery, reduce inflammation, ease arthritis symptoms, improve gut health and promote heart health. In fact, in one study published in the “European Journal of Nutrition,” adults who drank Montmorency tart cherry juice slept about 40 minutes longer on average and had up to a 6% increase in sleep efficiency. While increasingly featured in functional beverages and healthpositioned foods, tart cherries can also add drool-worthy flavor to superfruit-infused snacks, such as these Tart Cherry Superfood Banana Splits and Tart Cherry Brownie Bites. Plus, using tart cherries as a favorite ingredient in recipes like these adds a health halo to sweets – reinforcing the trend of permissible indulgences. As an ideal superfruit snack that makes snacking more satisfying, tart cherries provide delicious flavor and potential health benefits in these recipes and
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beyond so you can savor the moment and cherish every bite. Find more tart cherry snack recipes at ChooseCherries.com.
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TART CHERRY SUPERFOOD BANANA SPLITS
4
Recipe courtesy of Hannah Zimmerman of Bite Sized Studio on behalf of the U.S. Tart Cherry Industry Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 2 1/2 2 2 1 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/2
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cup walnuts tablespoons rolled oats cup cocoa powder tablespoon chia or hemp seeds (optional) teaspoon salt tablespoons peanut or almond butter tablespoons tart cherry juice cup mini chocolate chips cocoa powder (optional) melted chocolate(optional)
In bowl of food processor, combine dates; dried tart cherries; walnuts; oats; cocoa powder; seeds, if desired; salt; and nut butter. Pulse 30-60 seconds until ingredients are ground into tiny pieces.
cup dark chocolate chips cups tart cherry juice ripe bananas cup vanilla Greek yogurt cup almond butter cup granola cup dried tart cherries cup frozen tart cherries, thawed
Place chocolate chips in bowl. In saucepan over medium heat, bring tart cherry juice to simmer about 20 minutes until reduced to 2/3 cup. Pour juice into bowl and mix until chocolate chips are melted and sauce is smooth. Cut bananas in half lengthwise and place on two plates. Spoon 1/2 cup Greek yogurt on each banana then drizzle with 2 tablespoons almond butter and 2 tablespoons tart cherry chocolate sauce. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons granola, 2 tablespoons dried tart cherries and 1/4 cup thawed frozen tart cherries on top of each banana split. Note: Leftover tart cherry chocolate sauce can be stored in airtight container in refrigerator for later use.
This isn’t true Italian-made ricotta, but it’s an easy, delicious version. Just boil milk, cream and salt, and add lemon juice or vinegar. Then gather ‘round the pot with your kids and watch it curdle. Within a half-hour of draining away the whey in a separate bowl, you’ll have lovely ricotta with a mild, sweet flavor and light consistency for use in a favorite Italian recipe or for spreading on crackers and toast sliced from a baguette -- a sure winner at a Super Bowl party! HOMEMADE RICOTTA
Makes about 1 1/4 cups 4 cups whole milk (not ultra-pasteurized)
Add tart cherry juice in 1 tablespoon additions, pulsing mixture after each addition, until crumbly dough forms.
1 cup heavy cream (not ultra-pasteurized)
Transfer dough to bowl and fold in chocolate chips.
or white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice To prepare the sieve for draining: Set a fine
Roll dough into 12 balls. Serve plain or finish balls with dusting of cocoa powder or drizzle of melted chocolate, if desired.
sieve or colander lined with a double thickness
Place halved mini sweet peppers on prepared baking pan and lightly brush both sides of peppers with oil.
milk, cream and salt in a large pot, and bring
Divide lemon garlic tuna evenly between six mini pepper halves. Top with cheese and bake 8-10 minutes, or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted. Allow to cool and top with sliced green onions and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste.
of cheesecloth over a deep bowl. To prepare the ricotta mixture: Combine to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Watch carefully. Just as mixture reaches a boil, turn off heat, remove from burner and stir in lemon juice. The mixture will separate and curdle. Let it set for about a minute. Pour into the cheesecloth-lined sieve and let the watery whey drain into the bowl. Discard the liquid that drips through. Let the curds continue to drain for about 25 minutes, until cool. The longer it drains, the thicker the ricotta will be. Spoon the ricotta out of the cheesecloth
TART CHERRY BROWNIE BITES
and use immediately, or refrigerate in a covered storage container for up to five days
Recipe courtesy of Hannah Zimmerman of Bite Sized Studio on behalf of the U.S. Tart Cherry Industry Prep time: 10 minutes Yield: 12 bites 10 1/2
“from scratch.” It is extra good!
until it’s ready to use. Donna Erickson creates relationships and community through food and fun. Find more to nourish and delight you at www.donnaerickson.com. (c) 2024 Donna Erickson
medjool dates, pitted cup dried tart cherries
Distributed by King Features Synd.
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