These glossy, jewel-like fruits add vibrant colour, flavour, and a celebratory feel to your Summer breakfast and lunch tables.
While it might seem that nothing beats snacking on a bowl of fresh cherries, they are more than just a juicy treat to pop into your mouth. With their unique balance of tartness and sweetness, cherries are an inspired ingredient that brings irresistible flavour and colour to both sweet and savoury dishes. In fact, they are so versatile that you can enjoy cherry season from the moment you wake up!
Cherries aren’t just delicious – they may be small fruits, but they carry a significant nutritional value. They are naturally low in calories and fat, while being rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium. Cherries are also a good source of fibre, which supports gut health. Their deep red colour is more than just attractive – it indicates that cherries contain antioxidants like anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties and support overall wellness. That bowl of fresh cherries offers the best of both worlds – an indulgence that is also good for you.
However, when it comes to cherry season, don’t just snack on them – try some of these breakfast and lunch recipes!
Breakfast recipe ideas:
Cherry vanilla latte
Morning magic in a cup! Cherries, vanilla and espresso, perfectly frothed.
Cherry syrup:
- 250 g cherries, pitted
- 80 g castor sugar
- 100 ml water
- 5 ml (1 tsp) fresh lemon juice
- 1.25 ml (¼ tsp) lemon juice
Latte:
- 180 ml full cream milk
- 60 ml espresso
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 200ºC and line a baking tray with baking paper. Arrange the cherries on the tray and roast for 20 minutes.
- Combine the cherries, sugar, water and lemon juice in a small pot. Stir over a low heat to dissolve the sugar.
- Bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes until the syrup has reduced by half.
- Stir regularly and mash the fruit as it simmers.
- Set aside to cool for 10 minutes, then strain into a small jug.
- To prepare the latte heat the milk to just below boiling point.
- Use a milk frother to froth for 30 seconds.
- Pour the milk into your glass or mug and top with a few spoonfuls of foam.
- Pour the espresso into the glass in a steady but gentle stream. Add a few teaspoons of cherry syrup to taste. Stir and enjoy.
Blushing cherry oat bowl
Soft oats, sweet cherries, and a drizzle of honey, the perfect start to a glowing day. Serves 2.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or almond/oat milk)
- 1 Tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- Handful toasted almonds or granola
Method:
- Simmer oats in milk until creamy (about 5–7 minutes).
- Stir in vanilla and cinnamon.
- In a pan, gently warm cherries with honey until juicy.
- Spoon oats into bowls, top with cherries, yogurt, and almonds.
Tip: Delicious all year round, so freeze some cherries and extend the season.
Brie, cherry and herb omelette
Eggs, melted Brie and cherry sweetness. Mornings don’t get more luxurious. Serves 2.
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 2 Tbsp cream or milk
- 1 Tbsp butter
- ½ cup fresh cherries, halved and pitted
- 80g brie, sliced
- 1 Tbsp chopped chives or parsley
- Salt & black pepper
Method:
- Beat eggs with cream, salt, and ground black pepper.
- Melt the butter in a pan, pour in eggs.
- When nearly set, scatter over the cherries, brie, and herbs.
- Fold gently, cook 1–2 minutes until brie melts.
Delicious with a helping of crispy bacon
Lunch recipe ideas:
Savoury goat’s cheese and cherry tart
Buttery pastry, tangy goat’s cheese, and glossy cherries, a tart made for sharing and showing off. Serves 6.
Ingredients:
- 1 x 400g sheet puff pastry
- 250g soft goat’s cheese
- ½ cup crème fraîche
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 Tbsp honey
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- salt and black pepper to taste
Method:
- Heat oven to 200°C.
- Place pastry on a lined tray, score a 2cm border.
- Mix together the goat’s cheese and crème fraîche, spread inside border.
- Scatter cherries, drizzle with honey, sprinkle with thyme, salt and pepper.
- Brush edges with egg wash.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
Tip: Cherries freeze well, take advantage of the season and freeze some for the rest of the year
Beef carpaccio with pickled cherries
Thinly sliced beef topped with pickled cherries. Perfect for an alfresco lunch. Serves: 6 to 8 as part of a platter.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp black peppercorns
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- 20 ml Djon mustard
- 600 g beef fillet
- 300 g cherries, pitted
- ½ fennel plus fronds
- 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp white wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp mixed peppercorns
- 20 g micro herbs or rocket
- 1 tsp mayonnaise
- 1-2 tsp wholegrain mustard
- 2 Tbsp of cherry pickling liquid
Method:
For the cherry pickle
- Thinly slice the fennel and place in a sealable glass jar with the cherries and fennel fronds
- In a saucepan, combine the remaining ingredients with ⅓ cup water and bring to a boil
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature before pouring over the cherries
- Seal and refrigerate for 24 hours (The pickle will keep for up to 1 month in the fridge)
For the carpaccio
- In a pestle and mortar, grind the peppercorns and sugar
- Add the paprika and salt, and mix well
- Brush the beef fillet with Dijon mustard and roll in the peppercorn mixture to coat
- Let sit for 30 minutes
- Heat a seasoned cast-iron pan over high heat
- Add a little oil, then sear the beef on all sides for about 30 seconds each (a total of 2 minutes)
- Rest the beef, then wrap tightly in cling film and freeze for about 1 hour (this makes thin slicing easier).
For the dressing
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, wholegrain mustard, cherry pickling liquid, and 1 Tbsp ice water until smooth.
To assemble
- Thinly slice the beef and arrange on a chilled platter, top with pickled cherries and micro herbs.
- Drizzle with the mustard dressing and serve immediately.
Recipes created by recipe developer Emma Nkunzana and Chef Jenny Morris. For more, visit www.juicydelicious.co.za or follow @juicydelicioussa on Instagram.
