June 2010

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Rustic Cherry Tarts: the perfect finale for your 4th of July celebration

June 30, 2010 in Uncategorized by jamen

It’s often the case that the simpler the recipe, the tastier the treat. That’s certainly the case with Diane LaVonne’s delicious Rustic Cherry Tarts. Combining fresh seasonal berries and fruits with Chukar’s ready-to-enjoy Pie Fillings, they’re the perfect finale to any summer meal.

If you’re planning some 4th of July festivities, top these little guys off with raspberries, blueberries and some whipped cream (or vanilla ice cream) for a scrumptious red-white and blue dessert!

Rustic Cherry Tart

Ingredients:

  • 2 cup all purpose or whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cane sugar
  • 12 tablespoon unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup very cold water
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 2 tablespoon large sugar crystals
  • 1 each 25 oz Jar Chukar® Fruit Filling
  • 2 cup Fresh Berries or Sliced Fruits

    • Directions:

    Combine dry ingredients and cut-in cold butter using pastry hand blender. Add a few tablespoons of icy water (just enough to bind dough) and refrigerate for several hours, covered. Divide dough into 12 equal parts. On floured surface, roll pastry dough into 7 inch diameter circles, spoon 2 Tbsp. cherry filling into the center, and top with 2 Tbsp. fresh berries or sliced fruit. Gather the edges of the dough toward the center and pinch edges. Brush pastry edges with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar crystals. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes until center is bubbly and crust is golden. Note: Pastry works best when all ingredients and utensils are very cold. Yields: 12, 3 inch Tarts.

    Enjoy the Summer Sun with a Tasty Northwest Picnic!

    June 23, 2010 in Northwest Events and Activities, Northwest Recipes by jamen

    Summer has finally come to the Northwest, meaning it’s high time to get out the picnic baskets and hit the beach, park or wherever else we can lay our checkered blankets.  If you’re taking advantage of the sunny weather, here are some tips and recipes we’ve found to make your picnics all the more enjoyable:

    First off, when selecting condiments, make sure to avoid egg- or dairy-based sauces, which can spoil in the heat. Choose oil- or vinegar-based ones, like our Curried Cherry Chutney, instead. Not only do they pack more flavor than spreads like mayo, they’re usually healthier and keep much better.

    Like with your condiments, choose your sides wisely. Potato or egg salad, usually made with mayo, can go bad and aren’t the healthiest choice. On the other hand, you can make your own light and healthy (not to mention tasty) salads using oil-based recipes like our Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad or Beet, Carrot and Cherry salad.

    For dessert, the simpler the better: Take advantage of fresh summer fruit, like cherries, apricots, nectarines and peaches, for a healthy palate cleanser. Or bring along treats like our Knapsack Cookies, which are easy to pack and enjoy, but won’t melt in the warm sun.

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    Father’s Day BBQ: The Best Way to Celebrate Dad

    June 9, 2010 in Events, Northwest Recipes by jamen

    Given how much Dads love a good barbeque, we can’t help but think it’s not an accident that Father’s Day takes place during prime grilling season. Which is why we think Father’s Day is the perfect day to try out some of these simple and delicious recipes for one of our favorite off-the-grill treats: cherry-inspired skewers.

    For a truly quick and easy recipe, cut 1 red, 1 green and 1 yellow pepper, plus an onion or two, into large chunks, and cube 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Alternate skewering the peppers, onions and chicken onto 10 pre-soaked wooden skewers, then baste with the Cherry Chipotle Barbeque Sauce, Pa Chukar’s BBQ sauce recipe or Curried Cherry Chutney.

    Now that fresh cherries are in season, you may also want to try this recipe from Northwest Cherries, which uses a Fresh Cherry Balsamic Sauce as a yummy marinade for any number of proteins. Skewer with corn, or veggies like the ones above.

    The more adventurous grillers might want to try a classic Chukar recipe: the Chicken-Komquat Skewers. The combination of sour, savory and sweet makes for a delicious and unique BBQ experience. Baste the chicken with the Cherry Chipotle Barbeque Sauce or dip in the Spicy Cherry Catsup for a bite of spice.

    Of course, while Dad’s waiting for the grill to fire up, treat him to the Big Daddy Jar, chock full of wholesome dried Bing Cherries, cranberries and pistachios.

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    Let loose your inner localivore: Farm Days return!

    June 2, 2010 in Events, Northwest Events and Activities by jamen

    As you’re probably aware, we at Chukar love local food. It’s fresh, it’s wholesome, it’s the reason we work here. So to say that we’re excited about the return of Farm Days at Pike Place Market might be a bit of an understatement.

    For three days a week, the cobblestones of Pike Place are overtaken by farmer’s stands offering a bounty of fresh, local produce, which we intend to put to good use in the kitchen, on the grill and on our plates.

    If you’re not in the Seattle area, never fear. Farmer’s markets are sprouting up in neighborhoods and towns across the country, meaning more and more communities have access to the same delicious ingredients that Seattleites have been accustomed to for decades. To find your nearest market, check out LocalHarvest.org, one of our favorite sites for all things localivore.