Excellent topping for pound cake, cheesecake, ice cream and waffles!

4 cups fresh Northwest Sweet Cherries, pitted and halved
2 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 cup water
1 package powdered fruit pectin

Combine cherries, sugar, corn syrup and lemon juice. Let stand 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Combine water and pectin in a small saucepan. Bring to boiling and boil for 1 minute. Pour over cherry mixture. Stir until sugar completely dissolves; about 3–4 minutes. Pour cherry mixture into clean jars or freezer containers and cover tightly. Let stand at room temperature 24 hours. Store up to 3 weeks in a refrigerator or 1 year in the freezer. Yields about 5 cups.

Tune in this Friday May 9th to watch America’s favorite daytime cooking show; The Rachael Ray Show, feature Chukar® Berry & Almond Energy Mix as ‘Snack of the Day.’  The Rachael Ray Show is an Emmy award-winning, daily one-hour syndicated cooking show and is among the top-ranked daytime programs on television.  For local show times visit rachaelrayshow.com.

This will be Chukar’s fifth time as the featured ‘Snack of the Day’ segment, which highlights a snack favored by Rachael Ray and distributed to the live audience. One hundred and forty bags of Berry and Almond Energy Mix were flown to New York for the taping of the show.

Berry & Almond Energy Mix is a nutritious snack full of naturally Dried Bing Cherries, Cranberries and Almonds all grown, harvested, and processed in the Pacific Northwest region. Audience members, guest star Patrick Dempsey and Rachael Ray herself will enjoy the fruitful pure flavors and agricultural bounty of the Northwest.

Martina Munoz came to America from Mexico looking for an opportunity to support her growing family. With hard work and determination, Martina has found success while working in Prosser, Washington at the headquarters and manufacturing center of Chukar Cherry Company.

Starting in the Gift Department, Martina constructed detailed gourmet gift baskets and quickly proved she was capable of consistent quality and leadership. Kathleen Young, Chukar’s Production Manager, promoted Martina to Chocolate Room Supervisor to oversee the creation of Chukar’s deliciously famous chocolate-covered cherries, berries and nuts. When Martina took the leadership role, her English language skills were basic. As she struggled to communicate professionally in her new position, a resolve emerged to improve her English skills. With help from her daughter in elementary school, Munoz began to learn and practice English at home and at work. Learning English as a second language has been one of Martina’s most prized accomplishments. “It makes me a better person.” said Martina.

During work break conversations around the lunch table, Martina found that her co-workers had a similar desire and they began to utilize their daily work breaks to study English together. Each day Martina and her co-workers became more confident in speaking English. Martina and the Chocolate Team decided to take their breaks earlier than the rest of the Chukar Crew in order to have focused time to learn English. “We tried to do our lessons at the same time everyone else took break, but we kept getting distracted by outside conversations and couldn’t focus,” said Martina. During these “language breaks” Martina teaches the alphabet, key English phrases, and eventually will move into a larger vocabulary of words. “My team gets so excited each week when they can understand Kathleen (Chukar’s Production Manager) a little better – it’s less frustrating and builds confidence,” said Martina.

“It is incredibly satisfying to work with people we highly respect and to be a part of their efforts to utilize English to communicate with family, co-workers and management,” said JT and Pamela Montgomery, owners of Chukar Cherry Company.

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 ounces diced Pancetta (Italian Bacon)

2 ounces Chukar® Dried Tart Cherries

¼ cup Port wine

¾ cup sliced mushrooms

2-3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or to taste)

1 large bunch of spinach (washed, spun dry and chilled)

Soak dried cherries in ¼ cup port wine for about an hour, heat olive oil in 8” skillet. Add diced pancetta and sauté till done. Drain fat. Add vinegar, dried cherries & port wine. Swish around in pan to loosen pancetta drippings. Stir mushroom in to coat with mixture. Place spinach in large bowl. Pour heated mixture over spinach and toss.

Chukar Cherry Company, the Year ‘Round Cherry and Berry Company™ celebrates twenty years of producing the Best of Nature, Best of Chocolate® utilizing the fruitful bounty of the Pacific Northwest. Fresh and unique Chukar® brand products have become signature food gifts for locals and visitors stopping by Pike Place Market in Seattle or traveling inland through Washington’s Wine Country.

Partnerships with local growers and a commitment to small batch production utilizing ‘just in time’ manufacturing practices has made the specialty food company a success, and founder Pamela Montgomery, a.k.a. Ma Chukar, a beaming entrepreneur. “My vision from the very beginning was to create food gifts that utilized the natural flavors and local bounty of our fruit producing region,” said Pam.

Chukar Cherry Company began when Pamela and her young family saw potential to add value to the Northwest’s premier fresh cherry crop after moving from Seattle in the late 1980’s and purchasing a 100 acre cherry orchard. After fresh cherry harvest, Pam noticed an abundance of ripe cherries left on the trees and began to dehydrate the cherries in her kitchen with a focus on ‘all natural.’ The tender dried fruit was a hit with friends and family and soon, the first Chukar® brand product was launched straight from the family orchard; 100% naturally dried Bing Cherries without added sugar or sulfites.

A trip to Europe inspired Pam to pair the naturally dried cherries with fine chocolate; a European confectionery classic which combines premium chocolate with choice dried fruit centers. The chocolate-covered confections were unique in the marketplace and the tag line Best of Nature. Best of Chocolate® was created. Most people think of “maraschino cherries with sugary syrup when they are asked to try our chocolates and are delighted when they find natural, pure flavors awaiting them,” says Pam.

Chukar Cherries in Pike Market, the company-owned retail store located in the main arcade of Seattle’s popular Pike Place Market has solidified Chukar’s standing as the premier food gift for tourists and locals. A ‘must stop’ 3 hours inland on I-82 is Chukar Cherries in Wine Country, the company’s Corporate, Retail, and Manufacturing Headquarters, located at 320 Wine Country Road in Prosser, Washington. There, the Chukar Team dries thousands of pounds of fresh Bing and Rainier Cherries in June and July of each year with large air tunnels and a classic drying method. “When you order a gift from Chukar Cherries, you can be sure it is fresh and made with local ingredients. We do not make our products months ahead and store them in freezers or make large batches – its small batch blending and fresh shipments,” says Pam.

Over the years, Chukar Cherries has developed a mail order product catalog and jumped into cyber space at www.chukar.com complimented by topical e-newsletters and savory recipes. In addition, Chukar® enjoys support from select retailers such as REI, Made in Washington Stores, Whole Foods Markets, Williams Sonoma and more

President of the Washington State Cherry Commission, B.J. Thurlby states; “The entire cherry industry benefits from Chukar Cherries’ efforts.” And as Pam and the Chukar Team celebrate their 20^th Anniversary, they have added a new shipping warehouse to their existing manufacturing center.

And what does Ma Chukar see in the future for Chukar Cherries? “Chukar® is a brand synonymous with the bounty and strength of the Pacific Northwest and will be the premier food gift typifying our region.”

This holiday season bring something new to your favorite recipes with the addition of natural foods and flavors that showcase the Pacific Northwest. Chukar Cherries, Washington state’s year ’round cherry and berry company™ is brimming with easy and unique northwest recipes and quick tips to add zest and something special to your holiday table.

Creative but simple variations to your classic dishes add a regional touch to the festivities and make an impression. Dried Chukar brand sweet or tart cherries from Washington State, the world’s number one producer of sweet cherries, are an unexpected winter taste treat. “You don’t have to deviate from your favorite recipe too much to get a regional taste, just add a few dried cherries or lightly spread some cherry sauces and you will get rave reviews” said Pam Montgomery, CEO and founder of Chukar Cherries.

To add a ‘cherry twist’ to your seasonal table, Montgomery recommends; “creating a Cherry Wine Sauce to top poached pears or baked apples, spice up your favorite stuffing recipe by adding a few dried cherry morsels for a tangy twist. Glaze your turkey with Chukar’s Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce sealing in the savory flavors for your main course. Chukar’s new Curried Cherry Chutney is a delicious side accompaniment to roast pork, chicken, turkey or lamb chops. Spiced Cider has an added punch with the addition of Chukar’s Cherry Apple Slices or naturally sweet Dried Bing Cherries simmering on top.”

Add flare to your baking with cherries to add color, texture and flavor. Chukar Cherries recommends adding them to homemade macaroons for an out of this world taste treat. Traditional cherry pie is done in a snap with Chukar’s whole fruit pie and cobbler fillings. Simply purchase a pre-made pie crust, add Chukar’s Triple Cherry Pie Filling chock full of Bing, Rainier, and Montmorency Tart Cherries, and viola, a truly outrageous pie.

Are Oatmeal Cookies your favorite? Mix classic oatmeal cookie dough and leave out the raisins. When you place the mounds of dough onto the cookie sheet lightly pad each one down and press 3-5 Chukar® White Chocolate Berry Truffles into each mound. (Note: Chukar’s White Chocolate Berry Truffles are chewy dried cranberries coated in white chocolate dusted in raspberry powder.) After baking, the dried cranberry stays moist and chewy, the white chocolate melts around it and the red raspberry powder sits on top for a delicious and festive presentation.

Pam recommends trying the recipe before the actual event. “It will add a measure of confidence and ease on the big day.” Visit www.chukar.com for recipes and quick tips to treat your family and friends with tastes and flavors that reflect our incredible region.

Located in the Pacific Northwest, Chukar Cherries is a family owned and operated specialty food manufacturer of pure fruit jams, savory sauces, dried fruit and nut energy snacks, naturally dried and chocolate-covered cherries, berries, and roasted nuts; the Best of Nature, Best of Chocolate®. Chukar creates delicious gifts that reflect the agricultural bounty and natural flavors of the Pacific Northwest. The boutique manufacturer operates three company owned retail locations within Washington State; Pike Place Market in Seattle, Corporate Headquarters in Prosser, Tri City Airport Gift Shop in Pasco. 100% Natural and certified kosher by KOF-K. For quality service, visit www.chukar.com or call 1.800.624.9544 and ask to speak with a Customer Service Representative.

Prosser, WA October – Support Breast Cancer Research by indulging in gourmet chocolate-covered cherries…too good to be true? Not with Chukar Cherries, Washington State’s year’ round cherry company™. Chukar Cherries introduces Milk Chocolate Cherry Blossoms with a portion of all profits going to Breast Cancer Research. The confection, coined Blossoms for a Cure™ is a delicious combination of Montmorency Tart Cherries covered in premium milk chocolate and finished with a thin layer of naturally colored and flavored French-style white chocolate. The new confection is an all natural rosy pink color, the signature color for Breast Cancer Awareness.

“Because Washington State has one of the highest rates of breast cancer in the nation, we wanted to be involved,” said Pam Montgomery, Chukar Cherries CEO and founder.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Chukar’s three retails stores in Washington State located at the Pike Place Market in Seattle, Chukar’s Headquarters in Prosser, and in the Tri City Airport in Pasco – - – will be showcasing Milk Chocolate Cherry Blossoms. “Our goal is to raise awareness in our area and it’s a good way to contribute and satisfy your chocolate craving,” said Montgomery. Chukar Cherries will continue to support research by donating profits from the product year ‘round.

Chukar Cherries is known for the Best of Nature, Best of Chocolate® as exemplified in all natural sweets and treats reflecting the flavorful bounty of the Pacific Northwest. Chukar’s Milk Chocolate Cherry Blossoms make perfect gifts or tiny indulgences. One 8 oz. bag is $8.95 and is available online at www.chukar.com or call 800.624.9544 or visit a Chukar Cherry retail outlet near you.

Chukar Cherries was founded by Pam Montgomery on her family’s cherry orchard over 18 years ago. Located in Washington State, Chukar Cherries produces a wide array of pure food gifts that exemplify the regional bounty and natural flavors of the Pacific Northwest. All products are 100% Natural and Kosher KOF-K certified. Chukar Cherries has three retail locations in Washington; Pike Place Market; Seattle, Prosser Headquarters; Prosser and Tri City Airport Gift Shop; Pasco. Visit www.chukar.com or call 1.800-624.9544 to speak with a Customer Service Representative.

• 1 cup CHUKAR® Dried Cherries, chopped
• 1-1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup vegetable shortening
• 2 large eggs
• 1 -1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 tablespoons grated orange rind
• 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 cup hot water

Soak cherries in apple juice or water at least 10 min. Drain well.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together sugars and shortening until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla and orange rind. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and rolled oats. Stir half into the sugar mixture, beating well. Add hot water and remaining flour-oat mixture. Mix in drained, chopped cherries.

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto greased baking sheets.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 12 to 15 min., or until edges are golden brown.

Makes about 3 dozen 3-1/2 inch cookies.

Prosser, WA 6/29/06 – Pam Montgomery, founder of Chukar Cherries, Washington State’s year ’round cherry and berry company™, has earned a place of honor in Gift Basket Review’s (GBR) Top 50 Gift Basket Business List. Chukar Cherries was ranked in the Top 12 for gift basket revenue for the past year.

Chukar Cherries was chosen from hundreds of participants in the GBR State of the Industry Survey open to 20,000 national gift basket/gift packaging companies in America.

Debra Paulk, publisher of GBR, a national and international trade publication for the gift basket industry since 1990, said, “It was gratifying to realize through the process of the Top 50 list how many high earners there are in this business.” Paulk reports, “It was inspiring. These entries were given with no thought to personal gain and provided the balance necessary to achieve statistically accurate results in the survey.”

Chukar Cherries had a particularly great year in the area of corporate gift sales with sales to corporate clients increasing nearly 37%. “Our focus continues to stay pretty simple.” says Montgomery about the recent business increases, “We use only the finest ingredients, combine them in creative and delicious ways, and listen to our customers. ”

Located in the Pacific Northwest, Chukar Cherries is a family-owned and operated specialty food manufacturer of all natural fruit preserves, sweet and savory sauces, dried fruit and nut energy snacks, naturally dried and chocolate-covered cherries, berries, and roasted nuts; the Best of Nature, Best of Chocolate®. Chukar creates delicious gifts that reflect the agricultural bounty and natural flavors of the Pacific Northwest. 100% natural, certified KOF-K, and simply delicious. For quality gifts and service visit www.chukar.com or call 1.800.624.9544 and ask to speak with a customer service representative.