I was recently at a family gathering with my three daughters and four grandkids at my daughter-in-law’s family compound on Lake Lelenau near Traverse City, Michigan. Summer is always a good season for reunions, and having it on a lake in Michigan made it even better with cooler temps, a lake for the kids right outside the door … and cherry season!
There’s little better than taking a walk in the early morning, passing the cherry groves along my way and sneaking a cherry right off a tree. What a treat! Add to that the delicious things you can do with fresh cherries. Pie is the first thing that may come to mind, or a crisp or bars. There’s no end to all the sweet things you can create with those cherries.
But think in the other direction. Cherries can take a spin on the savory side, too. Make roasted cherry salsa with onions, lime juice and tomatoes, along with a kick of jalapeño peppers, and you have a great summertime dip for chips or a garnish for grilled chicken.
Roasted Cherry Salsa
2 1/2 cups fresh cherries, pitted