Cherry on Top: A Week-long Celebration of Okanagan Cherries in Edmonton

Hello, dear cherry enthusiasts,

Get ready for a delightful cherry extravaganza! Starting this Monday, we’ll be embracing the sensational Okanagan cherry season with an entire week dedicated to cherry-inspired recipes. From breakfast to dessert, I’ll be sharing daily recipes that showcase the brilliance of this much-loved summer fruit.

Though Edmonton may not host cherry orchards, the remarkable vendors in this city ensure that we can still get our hands on the finest Okanagan cherries. From the stalls at your local Farmer’s Market to the produce stores dotting the city, I know you can find a great deal on cherries to join in this delicious week. I even saw some at Walmart!! Each plump and vibrant cherry is a bite of pure summer joy and a culinary inspiration.

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming your way during our week-long cherry celebration:

  1. Monday: Cherry-Stuffed French Toast – Start your week with a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, filled with cherry goodness.
  2. Tuesday: Cherry and Goat Cheese Salad – This sweet and savoury salad is a delightful way to enjoy cherries for lunch.
  3. Wednesday: Cherry Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops – A dinner recipe that adds a gourmet touch to your midweek meal.
  4. Thursday: Cherry Salsa with Grilled Chicken – Fresh, zingy, and perfect for a summer evening.
  5. Friday: Cherry Clafoutis – Our traditional French dessert gets a Canadian twist with the use of Okanagan cherries. This dish, halfway between a flan and a pancake, envelops the cherries in a tender, subtly sweet batter that is pure comfort food.
  6. Saturday: Cherry Almond Smoothie Bowl – A weekend breakfast that’s as nourishing as it’s visually stunning.
  7. Sunday: Cherry BBQ Sauce with Grilled Chicken – A flavour-packed sauce to end the week on a deliciously high note.

These recipes will not only introduce you to new ways to enjoy cherries but also celebrate the vibrant and robust flavours that make cherries a seasonal favourite. Each recipe is an ode to the dedicated farmers and vendors who bring these delicious treasures to our Edmonton markets.

So mark your calendars and make sure to stock up on fresh Okanagan cherries. It’s time to unleash the cherry magic in your kitchen.

Stay tuned as we kick off our week-long celebration of cherries in style. I promise you, it’s going to be a cherry-filled adventure that you won’t want to miss.

With cherry-red love,

Chef Sarah