Tastemakers: Cherry Creations Cookbook - UV Cherry Vodka

July 5, 2006

Cherry Creations
The Ultimate Cherry Cookbook
 
When thinking of cherries one thinks dessert or jams. For
years cherries were synon-ymous with pie, cobbler and cheesecake. Then they started making an appearance at breakfast (in addition to jams and jellies) in muffins and pancakes. Recently Ray Pleva in Cedar started appearing on “Oprah,” touting the healthy characteristics of cherries and their ability to add flavor to meats. So now cherries are not just for dessert anymore.
In fact, there are thousands of delightful recipes for the fruit that have made our corner of the country famous. One of the first to showcase (in a cookbook) the ability of the cherry to accent and enhance the flavor of several traditional dishes was Dr. Myles H. Bader with his “Cherry Creations: The Ultimate Cherry Cookbook.” Originally released in 1995 “Cherry Creations,” is packed full of recipes and is a must have for the connoisseur of the cherry. There are variations on the classics such as pie and muffins and traditional recipes where cherries are added. The Cherry Chutney recipe is excellent and compliments grilled pork tenderloin or roast duck nicely. Looking for an elegant entrée? Then serve the Rock Cornish-Sweet Cherry Flambé and for a little added tableside flair, flambé the hens in front of your guests. 
But at the end of the day cherries still make great desserts, be sure to try the Cherry Baked Alaska or the Cherry Savarin Chantilly. A great after dinner accompaniment is Cherry Bounce (make now for this holiday season as aging in the bottle is required). Cherries work great in several dishes, such as adding dried cherries to wild rice or in chicken salad. A great way to learn more and to be inspired to create your own “Cherry Creations” is to pick up a copy of the book. Look for it at National Cherry Festival souvenir tent or ask for it at your favorite bookseller.

UV Cherry Vodka

Some vodka producers are putting the flavor in the bottle, literally. Crowded shelves at restaurants and retail locations make choosing vodka a challenge so some consumers opt for what looks best. UV Vodka believes otherwise. The Minnesota vodka strives to put taste inside the bottle -- after all, with liposuction and implants anyone can have a sexy looking bottle, but looks can be deceiving. UV Vodka is in Traverse City this week promoting their line, in particular their Cherry Vodka. After all, thousands have flocked to the area to pay homage to the region’s number one fruit. UV Cherry is perfect for those who enjoy sweeter drinks.
Try the UV Cherry Pepsi Bomb with one part UV Cherry and 3 parts either Cherry Pepsi (Diet for the carb conscious). Another great drink is the Cherry Cosmo with equal parts UV Cherry, Grand Marnier and Cranberry Juice. Shake with ice shavings and strain in a martini glass and garnish with green maraschino cherries. For those looking for a drier cocktail try a Don Melvoin Red Eye Martini: pour one ounce of UV Cherry into a champagne flute and top with Cremant from L. Mawby (local sparkling wine) and garnish with a lemon.
As for food pairings use UV Cherry Vodka in Cherries Jubilee. Mix 4 ounces of UV Cherry with 4 ounces of brandy, warm in saucepan. Heat one can of cherry pie filling and pour over Moomers Vanilla Ice Cream and top with warm UV concoction and light alcohol to flambé (makes 4 servings). This is the perfect July 4th dessert. Look for UV Vodka throughout the Cherry Festival at various promotions or ask for it at your favorite establishment.