Walnut Cherry Delights: Sweet & Savory Recipes You’ll Love
Cherries and walnuts, a match made in culinary heaven! This delightful combination offers a symphony of flavors and textures that can elevate everything from breakfast treats to sophisticated desserts. The sweetness of cherries perfectly complements the earthy richness of walnuts, creating a balanced and satisfying experience for your taste buds. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a variety of recipes that showcase the versatility of this dynamic duo, providing you with detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure your culinary creations are a resounding success.
Why Walnuts and Cherries Work So Well Together
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s explore why walnuts and cherries are such a fantastic pairing:
* **Complementary Flavors:** Cherries offer a bright, fruity sweetness, while walnuts provide a deep, nutty, and slightly bitter counterpoint. This contrast creates a balanced and interesting flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.
* **Textural Harmony:** The soft, juicy texture of cherries pairs perfectly with the satisfying crunch of walnuts. This textural contrast adds another layer of enjoyment to each bite.
* **Nutritional Benefits:** Both walnuts and cherries are packed with nutrients. Walnuts are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, while cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Combining them provides a nutritional boost to your meals.
* **Versatility:** Walnuts and cherries can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from sweet to savory. They can be incorporated into baked goods, salads, sauces, and even main courses.
Sweet Walnut Cherry Recipes
Let’s start with the sweeter side of things. These recipes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert.
1. Walnut Cherry Scones
These scones are tender, crumbly, and bursting with flavor. They are perfect for a weekend brunch or a special treat.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 3/4 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
* 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
* 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key is to keep the butter cold so it doesn’t melt.
4. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the heavy cream to the bowl, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough scones.
5. **Fold in Walnuts and Cherries:** Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and dried cherries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. **Shape the Scones:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife or a cookie cutter to cut the dough into 8 wedges or circles.
7. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
8. **Egg Wash and Sugar:** Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg wash. If desired, sprinkle with turbinado sugar for extra sweetness and sparkle.
9. **Bake:** Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a scone. If it comes out clean, the scones are ready.
10. **Cool and Serve:** Let the scones cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream.
**Tips for Perfect Scones:**
* **Use Cold Ingredients:** Cold butter and heavy cream are essential for creating tender, flaky scones. The cold butter creates pockets of air that expand during baking, resulting in a light and airy texture.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in tough scones. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
* **Handle the Dough Gently:** Be gentle when shaping the scones. Overworking the dough can also lead to tough scones.
* **Bake at a High Temperature:** Baking the scones at a high temperature helps them to rise quickly and evenly.
2. Cherry Walnut Blondies
These blondies are chewy, fudgy, and loaded with sweet cherries and crunchy walnuts. They are a perfect alternative to brownies.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
* 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract and whisk until well combined.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. **Fold in Walnuts and Cherries:** Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and dried cherries until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the blondies dry.
8. **Cool and Cut:** Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
**Tips for Perfect Blondies:**
* **Use Melted Butter:** Melted butter gives the blondies a chewy texture.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the blondies will make them dry and crumbly. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
* **Let Cool Completely:** Letting the blondies cool completely before cutting them will prevent them from crumbling.
3. Cherry Walnut Coffee Cake
This coffee cake is moist, tender, and topped with a delicious cherry walnut streusel. It is perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion.
**Ingredients:**
**For the Cake:**
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**For the Streusel Topping:**
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh or frozen cherries (thawed and drained if frozen)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. **Prepare the Streusel Topping:** In a medium bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter cubes using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped walnuts and cherries. Set aside.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients (Cake):** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. **Combine Wet Ingredients (Cake):** In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients (Cake):** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
7. **Sprinkle with Streusel Topping:** Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. **Cool and Serve:** Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and serve.
**Tips for Perfect Coffee Cake:**
* **Use Softened Butter:** Softened butter is essential for creating a light and fluffy cake. Make sure the butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
* **Let Cool Completely:** Letting the coffee cake cool completely before cutting it will prevent it from crumbling.
Savory Walnut Cherry Recipes
Now, let’s explore how walnuts and cherries can add a unique twist to savory dishes.
4. Walnut Cherry Chicken Salad
This chicken salad is a delicious and healthy lunch option. The sweet cherries and crunchy walnuts add a wonderful contrast to the savory chicken.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 1/2 cup chopped red onion
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
* 1/2 cup halved fresh cherries, pitted
* Lettuce leaves, for serving (optional)
* Croissants or bread, for serving (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. **Add Vegetables and Nuts:** Add the chopped celery, red onion, walnuts, and cherries to the bowl. Gently fold to combine.
3. **Chill:** Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. **Serve:** Serve the chicken salad on lettuce leaves, croissants, or bread. You can also enjoy it as a side dish with crackers or vegetables.
**Tips for Perfect Chicken Salad:**
* **Use Cooked Chicken:** You can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or poached chicken for this recipe.
* **Adjust the Mayonnaise and Yogurt:** Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and yogurt to your liking. You can also use all mayonnaise or all Greek yogurt.
* **Chill Before Serving:** Chilling the chicken salad before serving allows the flavors to meld and makes it more enjoyable.
5. Walnut Cherry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
This salad is a simple yet elegant dish that is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish. The balsamic vinaigrette adds a tangy sweetness that complements the walnuts and cherries.
**Ingredients:**
* 5 ounces mixed greens
* 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
* 1/2 cup halved fresh cherries, pitted
**For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:**
* 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon honey
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Vinaigrette:** In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. **Assemble the Salad:** In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, goat cheese, walnuts, and cherries.
3. **Dress the Salad:** Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately.
**Tips for Perfect Salad:**
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of the salad.
* **Adjust the Vinaigrette:** Adjust the amount of balsamic vinaigrette to your liking. You can also add other ingredients to the vinaigrette, such as minced garlic or shallots.
* **Serve Immediately:** Serve the salad immediately after dressing it to prevent the greens from wilting.
6. Walnut Cherry Stuffed Pork Loin
This pork loin is a show-stopping main course that is perfect for a special occasion. The walnut cherry stuffing adds a touch of sweetness and nuttiness that complements the savory pork.
**Ingredients:**
* 3-4 pound pork loin roast
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup bread crumbs
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
* 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1 egg, beaten
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup chicken broth
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare the Stuffing:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. **Combine Stuffing Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked onion and garlic, bread crumbs, walnuts, cherries, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. **Butterfly the Pork Loin:** Use a sharp knife to butterfly the pork loin. To do this, cut horizontally through the pork loin, starting on one side and stopping about 1 inch from the other side. Open the pork loin like a book.
5. **Spread the Stuffing:** Spread the stuffing evenly over the butterflied pork loin.
6. **Roll and Tie:** Roll the pork loin up tightly and tie it with kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals.
7. **Sear the Pork Loin:** Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork loin and sear on all sides until browned.
8. **Add Chicken Broth:** Pour the chicken broth into the skillet around the pork loin.
9. **Bake:** Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork loin reaches 145°F (63°C).
10. **Rest and Slice:** Let the pork loin rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
**Tips for Perfect Stuffed Pork Loin:**
* **Don’t Overstuff:** Don’t overstuff the pork loin, as this can cause it to be difficult to roll up and cook evenly.
* **Use Kitchen Twine:** Use kitchen twine to tie the pork loin tightly, which will help it to hold its shape during cooking.
* **Sear Before Baking:** Searing the pork loin before baking will give it a nice crust and add flavor.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork loin is cooked to the proper internal temperature.
* **Let Rest Before Slicing:** Letting the pork loin rest before slicing will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
Tips for Working with Walnuts and Cherries
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your walnut and cherry recipes:
* **Toast Your Walnuts:** Toasting walnuts before using them enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch. To toast walnuts, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
* **Choose Fresh or Dried Cherries:** You can use fresh or dried cherries in your recipes. Fresh cherries are best in season, while dried cherries are a good option year-round. If using dried cherries, you may want to rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water or juice for a few minutes before using them.
* **Pit Your Cherries:** If using fresh cherries, be sure to pit them before using them in your recipes. A cherry pitter can make this task quick and easy. If you don’t have a cherry pitter, you can use a paring knife or a paperclip to remove the pits.
* **Chop Your Walnuts:** Chop your walnuts into the desired size for your recipe. You can use a knife or a food processor to chop the walnuts. Be careful not to over-process them, as this can turn them into walnut butter.
* **Store Walnuts Properly:** Store walnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent them from going rancid.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** As with any recipe, using high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your walnut and cherry delights.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with these recipes and make them your own. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
* **Different Nuts:** Substitute other nuts for walnuts, such as pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
* **Different Fruits:** Substitute other fruits for cherries, such as cranberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
* **Spices:** Add other spices to your recipes, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves.
* **Chocolate:** Add chocolate chips or chunks to your sweet recipes for an extra decadent treat.
* **Vegan Options:** Many of these recipes can be made vegan by using plant-based butter, milk, and eggs.
Conclusion
Walnuts and cherries are a versatile and delicious combination that can be used in a wide variety of recipes. From sweet scones and blondies to savory chicken salad and stuffed pork loin, the possibilities are endless. So, get creative and start experimenting with these amazing ingredients today! You’re sure to discover your own walnut cherry delights that will become family favorites.
Enjoy baking and cooking!