Whole Foods had an amazing sale on organic cherries last Friday, July 8 ($2.99/lb). I didn't waste any time heading over that morning and buying 4 bags. My lovely friend, Junia of Mis Pensamientos, also informed me about the cherry recipe contest being hosted by Whole Foods. I had no intention of entering but then I figured what the heck (and who couldn't use some free grocery spending money?).
But I was stuck. Because you see in our household, we like our cherries like this:
Truth be told, I am not a huge fan of cooked cherries. I prefer them pure and untainted, and it seemed wasteful to do anything but pit 'em and eat 'em. But I pressed on.
I tried a few things from fruit salad with adzuki beans, to tofu and edamame drizzled with cherry sauce, to a fruit and bean smoothie. But either the flavors didn't work together or the kids didn't really care for it (like the tofu with cherry sauce). I knew I had to stick with a dessert, and then I finally caved in and decided to bake (which I was trying to avoid in this crazy hot weather). So with it being nearly 100 degrees today, I cranked up the air conditioner, turned on the oven, and created a fruit and cheese filled quiche tart.
I know most people think of savory when it comes to quiche, but I thought one incorporating these fresh fruits would be nice:
And the flavors of the cherries, pineapple, and strawberries worked beautifully together. The best part about it is how simple it is to make with a few ingredients, including a refrigerated crescent roll (yes, Whole Foods carries a product manufactured by Immaculate Baking Company). My older son loved helping me out.
The pictures above show the quiche being baked in individual ramekins (7 ounce size) which gives it a more sophisticated presentation. But it takes longer to bake than it does in a muffin pan. I made two batches and used both (the instructions below indicate the muffin pan).
So while I prepared lunch and fed the boys, dessert was baking in the oven. And the wonderful aroma that filled the kitchen made me reconsider my dislike of cooked cherries. But it was the taste of it that made me a believer in the value of baked cherries.
I saved some for my husband and the little fellas, too. The youngest one couldn't get enough.
And that alone was worth all the effort.
Happy cherry feasting!
Rachel
Cherry Fruit & Cheese Quiche Tart
Serving: 6 quiche tarts; Prep time: 15 minutes; Bake time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
1/2 cup chopped fresh pineapple
1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries
6 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp confectioners' sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Separate crescent dough triangles. Line each cup of the greased muffin pan with a triangle, creating a thin layer on the bottom and lifting the dough up to the sides. Use extra triangles to add more dough along the side of cups if necessary.
- In a medium bowl, mix 6 oz. cream cheese with 1 tbsp confectioners' sugar until smooth. Mix in beaten eggs.
- Set aside 1/4 cup cherries for topping. Chop remaining cherries. Gently fold chopped cherries, pineapple, and strawberries into the mixture.
- Pour fruit and cheese mixture into each cup. Top each with a few halved cherries.
- Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes or longer until the rims of the tart are golden brown and the filling is firm. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan before removing. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Great idea! I hope you win! :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous innovation :) Love your recipe and hope you win!
ReplyDeleteahhh they just look FABULOUS! WOWOWOW. love the cherry quiche!!! and the pictures of your son - sooo cute. :D hug*
ReplyDeletei'm like you, i love cherries as is and am not fond of cherry-flavored food. but this looks so gorgeous and delicious, i may just have to try it before cherry season is over.
ReplyDeleteQuiche...brilliant! I am the same way about cherries. They never last long enough to get put into anything, cooked or not. This looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteFabulous post, Rachel! I love all the fruit in these and they look great too... Your little fellow is so cute! Love the pictures of him helping out with the cooking... and enjoying the fruits of his labor too :)Great post! I hope you win the contest.. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
ReplyDeleteOooh, this looks gorgeous, Rachel! I love how the cherries just sort of melted into the quiche. And the addition of cream cheese surely knocked it out of the ball park. Yum!
ReplyDeleteThese really look wonderful. This is my first visit to your blog, so I decided to browse through your earlier entries. I'm so glad I did that. You have created a great place for your readers to visit and I really enjoyed the time I spent here. I'll definitely be back. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteThese little tarts look so delicious! What a wonderful recipe with great flavors. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThese look absolutely delicious! I love anything with cherries.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a terrific summer recipe and I love the simplicity of it. I feel the same way about fresh cherries, best unadulterated, but this recipe looks like it is worth a try.
ReplyDeleteNot at all like an eating regimen of handled bundled and controlled nourishments that could possibly contain gluten as wheat subordinates or other turn off substances produced using wheat. coney island shawnee ok
ReplyDeleteGood website! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes it is. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which may do the trick? Have a great day! Buy Hemp Gummies
ReplyDelete