cherry season

If I made these just like my dark chocolate cherry galettes, can I still call them rustic tarts?

They are basically the same thing, a free form dessert filled with goodness.

I have made a second batch of this goat cheese (recipe coming soon, I promise promise!), and I have been enjoying it with all kinds of things. The best pairing? A tangy goat cheese with a sweet cherry, enveloped into a flaky warm sugared crust.

Look at that sugar.

I spared a precious few cherries from my dwindling stash. Yes, I only have two containers in the freezer, and, well, a pretty large container of dehydrated. The summer of cherries is almost over. Only a few recipes left.

It is not an accident that I chose to make my own goat cheese during August – which is National Goat Cheese Month. We are going to be celebrating every day until September. and then some.

cherry goat cheese rustic tarts

adapted from dark chocolate cherry galettes

dairy, egg and gluten free, vegan

makes four individual galettes

40-50 fresh cherries, pitted
1/3 cup sugar, divided
juice of 1 lemon
1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
1 pie crust recipe (see below)
1/4 cup olive oil 

Combine cherries with 2 tablespoons sugar and juice, stir until sugar is dissolved. Divide cherries and goat cheese among 4 pies, arrange in the center of each pie (see directions below), leaving an inch border. Fold the border of crust up around filling, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake at 350 for 27-32 minutes (check at 27).

easy gluten free and vegan pie crust

dairy, egg and gluten free, vegan

makes 4 individual galettes (or one single crust pie)

1 cup sweet rice flour
1 cup all purpose flour (gluten free)
1/2 cup cold butter (Earth Balance – not soy free)
1/4 – 1/2 cup cold water*

Combine flours and butter with dough cutter or fork. Add water gradually* – start with 1/4 cup and add by tablespoon after that until dough is forms. Knead and form a ball, wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Divide into four equal pieces and roll into small circles. Arrange on baking sheet lined in parchment or silpat.

I wish I could share these with each and every one of you.

 

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♪ ♫ ”Back to school. Back to school, to prove to Dad that I’m not a fool. I got my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight, I hope I don’t get in a fight. Ohhhh, back to school. Back to school. Back to school…”  ♪ ♫

Please tell me you know what that is from? and then please accept my apology for the fact that it may be in your head for a bit.

Longtime readers know of my near obsession with pens and paper. Journals, writing pads, pens ranging from bold ballpoints to collectible fountains. When Jason and I met, one of the strange coincidences was that we both love pens. and paper. and pens.

So it is only natural that when we are in most any store, if there is a stationery or office supply section we will find it (if we lose each other while shopping, I either call him or find the pen aisle).

This time of year especially, we are interested in what might be new and interesting? The other day, on a random and fun Target visit, we saw Back to School signs, leading us to pens and papers.

Without a need or a plan for it, I came home with this:

Just so cute, right?

A dachshund. Doing yoga.

It is the (second) cutest thing I have ever seen, and it makes me smile each time I see it.

Even though my cherry supply is dwindling fast, this ice cream also makes me smile.

The fact that I found gluten free cake cones? Bigger smile.

I used a fun ingredient in this recipe – making an incredibly creamy ice cream. This one is a keeper – sweet chocolate and tart cherries are a good combination.

double chocolate cherry ice cream

dairy, egg and gluten free, vegan

4 cups fresh cherries, pitted
1 can coconut milk (canned)
1/2 cup whipped cream (Soyatoo rice whip)
1/3 cup agave (or sugar of choice)

1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup chocolate chunks (chips)

In high powered blender, combine cherries and coconut milk until smooth. Continue to blend and add whipped cream, agave, and cocoa powder. Transfer to ice cream maker and prepare according to manufacturer directions (this recipe took me 20 minutes). Remove bowl from ice cream machine, fold in chocolate chunks. Transfer to a freezer safe container, cover and store in freezer.

♪ ♫ ”Back to school. Back to school…”  ♪ ♫ ♪

 

{ 40 comments }

perfect cherry pancakes

by Kristina Sloggett on August 3, 2012

in Breakfast,cherry season,Dessert,Gluten Free,recipes,Vegan

I want the Olympics to be year round.

Not very viable, right? I wish they lasted longer, anyway.

I have been glued to the television. Tennis has me on the edge of my seat and makes me want to play again. Beach volleyball, same. Swimming is exciting and I wish I knew how (yeah, really. Long story). Archery reminds me of 7th grade PE class (I was good!). Fencing is just awesome. Awesome.

All of it has been motivating for me – energizing my workouts and my whole day. I miss the camaraderie of being involved in team sports, it has been years and years. I am inspired by the passion and the drive, and I have been moved to tears (not just from the medal ceremonies and the “mom commercials”).

I celebrate every athlete, from every country. I want to make them pancakes.

Perfect fluffy pancakes with cherries from my tree. These could get a medal.

cherry pancakes

adapted from spinach pancakes

dairy, egg, soy, and gluten free, vegan

makes 8 medium pancakes

1 cup fresh cherries, pitted*
1 cup gluten free all purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup agave (or sweetener of choice)

*cherries will be less than 1 cup when puréed.

In blender, purée cherries until smooth. In mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder and xanthan gum, stirring out clumps. Whisk in the cherry puree, water and agave, combine completely. Using a 1/4 cup measure, scoop batter onto an oiled skillet over medium low heat. Pancakes will not bubble, flip after a minute or so and cook other side (less than another minute).

Have you been watching the Olympics? What is your favorite event?

 

{ 40 comments }

cherry mojito milkshakes and a shiny chic cocktail party

August 1, 2012

Regular readers know I love to throw a party. That we often have happy hour at home. That I am distracted by shiny things. When BACARDÍ sent me a big box filled with fabulous things for a shiny chic party, I was beyond excited. You should have seen me looking through the box – it was [...]

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cherry zucchini muffins

July 30, 2012

I am really reeeeaaally excited about these muffins. I have been baking for many many years, perfecting recipes from bagels to croissants, muffins to cakes to cheesecakes. When I chose to remove gluten from my kitchen and most of what I eat, I had to relearn how to bake. I love doughy and dense, so [...]

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cherry basil infused water

July 29, 2012

I try to drink a good amount of water each day, some days are better than others. Infusing water with natural flavors elevates it to a refreshing and pretty beverage. On days I am home, I make a large pitcher and drink it all day. On days I am out of the house, I bring [...]

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cherry limeade popsicles

July 26, 2012

Homemade popsicles always leave me nostalgic for the summers of childhood – waking early to get outside as soon as possible. Wearing my swimsuit under my clothes, ready for the impromptu pool party, slip and slide or sprinkler run. Walking hot dusty miles into town with my best friend, buying candy and gum at the [...]

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cherry vanilla ice cream

July 24, 2012

Are you tired of the Summer of Cherries yet? I hope not, because I’m just getting warmed up. (A favorite Al Pacino line… extra points if you know it.) I am really digging the cherry tree in our yard. Even standing at the counter pitting each and every one, that has become sort of relaxing. I have cherries [...]

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cherry cheesecake popsicles

July 20, 2012

So Halloween is coming up. Soon. I know, it’s summertime and this weirdo spabettie is already thinking about fall? Only for costume planning purposes, I promise. I am savoring the summertime days to their maximum potential, I truly am. I am not trying to will it away or make autumn arrive quicker. However, I do [...]

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