May 26-National Cherry Dessert Day

It's National Cherry Dessert Day.

Grown in West Virginia and a favorite at several of our orchards, cherries are delicious as a snack or baked into your favorite recipe.

Did you know that cherries---
          Are high in antioxidants?
          Are a great source of beta carotene?
         Are rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin E?
         Should be bought when they are dark in color and plump.  
         Sour cherries should be a true red color.
         The stems should be attached and avoid any with brown spots.
         Bing cherries, or the sweet cherry, are available in late spring.
         Sour cherries are available in June-July.

Cherries are available at your local West Virginia farmers market or farm stand. Celebrate Memorial Day with a cool, cherry dessert favorite. Here's a recipe for Red White & Blue Trifle (http://busycooks.about.com/od/dessertrecipe1/r/redwhitebtrifle.htm)

Ingredients:


•1-1/2 cups cold whole milk

•4 serving size pkg. cheesecake flavor instant pudding mix

•8 oz. container frozen whipped topping, thawed

•1 frozen loaf pound cake, thawed

•2 cups pitted cherries (can substitute sliced strawberries)

•1 cup blueberries

•1 cup sliced bananas

•1 cup raspberries

•1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Preparation:

In medium bowl, combine milk and pudding mix and beat with egg beater for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Fold in the thawed whipped topping. Cut the thawed pound cake into 1/2" cubes. In large glass bowl, layer 1/2 of the cake cubes, 1/2 of the fruit, and 1/2 of the pudding mixture. Repeat layers. Chill at least 2 hours before serving. Sprinkle with toasted almonds. Serves 12

PS: You can also get local West Virginia raspberries and blueberries at the market.