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snacks

Zucchini Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe

breakfast, snacks, gluten freeSheri SpalloneComment

Zucchini Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe

Cook Time:  40-55 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 12

One of my favorite things about summer and early fall is the abundance of fresh vegetables—and zucchini is always at the top of my list. It’s easy to grow in the garden, adds excellent moisture to baked goods, and can be used in both savory dishes (like zucchini fritters or zucchini pie) and sweet treats (hello, zucchini bread!).

Print Recipe

Vegetables weren’t always a hit in our household. When our children were younger, I became an expert at hiding veggies in their favorite meals—pureed, finely chopped, or disguised as “herbs” whenever little green or red specks raised suspicion. (Let’s be honest: the youngest child and my husband were the harshest critics.)

Fast forward to today, and while our children have happily embraced vegetables, my husband is still a little funny about anything “green.” I tell him, ‘Honey, they’re herbs; try it.’ Thankfully, zucchini bread has been the great equalizer. When zucchini is combined with sugar, flour, Cherchies Apple Butter Spread, and warm spices, those ‘green specks’ transform into something truly delightful.

This recipe has become a family favorite, and I usually double it—because a single loaf disappears in no time with a family of five.

Whether you’re baking for picky eaters, seasoned veggie lovers, or someone still on the fence about “green specks” in their food, this zucchini bread is proof that with a bit of creativity—and a lot of flavor—it can win anyone over.

Thanks for stopping by:) Comment below if you have tried this recipe. Come back again for more family-tested recipes, entertaining ideas, and cooking tips using all our favorite Cherchies® gourmet products.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup grated zucchini (about one medium zucchini)

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1/2 cup Cherchies® Apple Butter Spread (could substitute vegetable or canola oil)

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon (tsp.) pure vanilla extract

  • 1/2 teaspoon (tsp.) salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon (tsp.) baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon (tsp.) baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) lemon zest (could substitute dried lemon zest)

  • 1 tablespoon (tsp) ground cinnamon

  • 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum (I’ve tried various Gluten-Free flours, but Pillsbury’s blend is my favorite, with the Cup for Cup brand being a close second; if your flour already includes xanthan gum, omit it). We have also made this recipe with equal amounts of all-purpose flour. (**I’ve learned it is best to use the spoon and level method).

  • 1 cup of chocolate chips (or walnuts or raisins for something different).

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Lightly coat a 4x8-inch loaf pan with gluten-free cooking spray.

Grate one medium zucchini to make 1 cup—no peeling or squeezing needed. (I like to use the grater attachment on my food processor, but a hand grater works just as well).

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, apple butter, sugar, and vanilla.

In a separate medium bowl, combine the salt, baking soda, baking powder, lemon zest (if using), cinnamon, flour, and chocolate chips, stirring until the mixture is well combined.

Gently fold in the shredded zucchini, and pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Bake on the center rack for 40–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. (Every oven is different.)

Allow the bread to cool fully before cutting into it.

**Note: For best results, measure flour using the “spoon and level” method. Gently spoon the flour into your measuring cup, then level it off with the back of a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag or container, as this can result in using too much flour and negatively impact your recipe. Also, do not pack the flour down or tap the measuring cup.

Recipe adapted from- Mama knows gluten-free

Enjoy!

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Easy Homemade Lemon Dill Pickles Recipe

side dishes, snacksSheri SpalloneComment

Easy Homemade Lemon Dill Pickles Recipe

One of the joys of summer is the abundance of vegetables—whether from your own garden, a farmers' market, or a CSA share —each week brings a bounty of farm-fresh produce. While cucumbers are the classic choice for pickling, they’re just the beginning.

There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of a fresh homemade pickle. Whether you enjoy them on burgers, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, or straight from the jar, pickles are the ultimate snack that never goes out of style.

With Cherchies® Lem ’n Dill Seasoning, making your own pickles at home has never been easier—or more flavorful.

Why Lem ’n Dill?

Cherchies® Lem ’n Dill Seasoning Blend is a classic blend of zesty lemon, aromatic dill, and savory seasonings that add brightness and depth to any dish. It’s a natural pairing for cucumbers, enhancing their crisp freshness with just the right balance of tang and herbaceous flavor. The result? Pickles that taste like summer in a jar.

But why stop there? With Cherchies® Lem ’n Dill Seasoning, you can transform a whole plethora of CSA veggies into crisp, tangy pickled treats that will brighten any meal. More on that below.

A Jar Full of Flavor

Making your own pickles is a fun, easy way to enjoy the flavors of Cherchies® Lem ’n Dill Seasoning all year long. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a crunchy, tangy treat that everyone will love.

So grab a jar, some fresh cucumbers, and a shaker of Cherchies® Lem ’n Dill Seasoning—and get ready to pucker up with pickle perfection!

Thanks for stopping by:) Comment below if you have made this recipe. Come back again for more family-tested recipes, entertaining ideas, and cooking tips using all our favorite Cherchies® gourmet products.

Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Ingredients

  • 6 cucumbers (Kirby-type), sliced into spears or discs (Seedless English cucumbers typically do not work well with this recipe)

  • 1 ½ cups white vinegar

  • 6 cups of water

  • 16 garlic cloves (sliced or chopped)

  • ¼ cup Cherchies® Lem ’n Dill Seasoning

  • ¼ cup salt (about two tablespoons if halving)

  • Fresh dill sprigs

Preparation

In a large pot, bring vinegar and 6 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and stir in the salt.

Slice or chop garlic and roughly chop dill. Set aside.

Wash cucumbers and slice into wedge spears, coin-like discs, or even sandwich slicers.

To a quart-size jar or deep container with a lid, add a layer of fresh dill to the bottom. (We often use cleaned take-out containers or mason jars with lids.) If you’re making a lot, a Rubbermaid-type container would also work.

Add garlic slices, then a spoonful of Cherchies® Lem ’n Dill Seasoning. Repeat layers of cucumbers, garlic, dill, and Cherchies® Lem ‘N Dill until the container is filled.

Pour the cooled brine over the vegetables, ensuring everything is submerged.

Seal with a lid and refrigerate. Pickles will be ready in 24 hours, but the flavor intensifies over several days. Pickles can be refrigerated for a few weeks.

*Note- We have made these tasty pickles several times and experimented with different shapes. For the sandwich stacker size (pictured on the right), we placed the sliced cucumbers standing up.

Here you have it, homemade lemon dill pickles! Enjoy!

Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Pickles

  • On a burger: Add a zesty crunch to your favorite backyard classic.

  • As a snack: Pair with cheese and crackers for a quick, flavorful bite.

  • Chopped into salads: Add brightness and acidity to potato salad, chicken salad, or grain bowls.

  • Charcuterie boards: Impress your guests with fresh, homemade pickles alongside meats and cheeses.

Vegetables You Can Pickle

  • Cucumbers (classic spears or discs)

  • Carrots (cut into sticks or coins)

  • Green beans

  • Cauliflower florets

  • Radishes

  • Zucchini or summer squash

  • Bell peppers

  • Onions

Mix and match your favorites!

Here’s what some of our friends have to say about Cherchies® Lem ‘N Dill Seasoning. Wait until they hear about pickles!!

“Our family favorite. Used this for over 15 years on chicken, fish, veggies, eggs etc. Perfect balance of flavors! Enhances everything that we use it with. Love it!”- Ann

“Always a hit! One of my favorite dips and something I keep on hand!"- Unknown

“Been using this product since the late 1980's. Thanks for such a great product."- Kathy M.

“It is so versatile. I sprinkle it on cooked vegetables and most salads. I use the dip recipe for raw veggies. I make a cream cheese and mayonnaise mixture using lots if Lem’n Dill for a smoked salmon spread. It is wonderful added to sour cream for baked potatoes. I have been a fan for 40+ years!️"- Maryjane

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Mushroom and Sherry Dip Recipe

appetizers, snacksSheri SpalloneComment

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Serves 14-16

Warm up on a wintry day with this tasty dip. It is perfect for easy entertaining.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 lb. bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled

  • 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 4 TBSP. flour

  • 1⁄2 tsp. salt

  • 1/4 tsp. pepper

  • 16 oz. cream cheese softened

  • 1/4 cup Cherchies® Brush ‘N Broil Sauce

  • 1/4 cup sherry

  • 11⁄2 cups sour cream

Sauté onions and mushrooms in olive oil for about 6 minutes or until tender. Add flour, salt, pepper, cream cheese, and Cherchies® Brush 'n Broil. Stir and heat until cheese is blended. Remove from heat and add bacon, sherry, and sour cream. Serve warm with corn chips.

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Jalapeño Popper Pumpkin Cheeseball Recipe

appetizers, snacks, gluten freeSheri SpalloneComment

Jalapeño Popper Pumpkin Recipe

Prep Time:  20 Minutes  (Plus extra time to chill the cheeseball)
Difficulty:  Easy
Serves: 8-10

Happy Fall, everyone!

An easy appetizer that never gets old is the cheeseball, and this pumpkin cheeseball is perfect for entertaining for Fall, Halloween, or Thanksgiving. Not only does the mighty cheeseball, although underrated, lean itself to festive shapes; footballs during game day season, pumpkins for Fall, snowmen, reindeer and trees for winter, and so much more, this recipe is so easy and tasty that you will want to keep it in your back pocket for any occasion.

We’ve spiced things up with this delicious jalapeño popper pumpkin cheeseball featuring cream cheese, fresh and pickled jalapeños, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and Cherchies® Garlic Seasoning Blend. It is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, and the flavors intensify beautifully if you make it ahead.

This jalapeño popper cheeseball is such a hit we’re constantly asked to bring it to gatherings, and you will be amiss not to try it! And, because it can be made ahead, it allows you more time with your family and friends.

If you’re looking for a new appetizer to add to your Fall culinary cache, consider this jalapeño popper pumpkin cheeseball. You will not be disappointed.

Thanks for stopping by. :) Comment below if you have tried this recipe. Visit us again for more family-tested recipes, entertaining ideas, and cooking tips using all our favorite Cherchies® gourmet products.

Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Ingredients

  • 3 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped

  • 1 8oz. block of cream cheese, room temperature

  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (Hand-shredded is better than store-bought shredded cheese)* See Note

  • 1/2 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (could use pepper jack if you like it spicier. (Hand-shredded is better than store-bought shredded cheese)* See Note

  • 1/3 cup seeded and finely diced fresh jalapeños (2 medium or 1 large…more if you like it spicier), reserving one stem to finish the pumpkin at the end

  • 1/3 cup finely diced pickled jalapeños (recipe to come soon for homemade pickled jalapeños)

  • 1/2- 1 teaspoon (tsp.) Cherchies® Garlic Seasoning Blend (Could substitute Cherchies® Garlic ‘N Herbs NO-SALT) Seasoning.

  • 1/4 cup chopped chives or green onions- white and green parts (Optional. I have used them before, but not for this photograph).

  • 1 snack-size bag of Cheese Itz crackers, crushed (Could use cheese puffs, spicy Doritos, or even extra cheddar* See Notes).

  • 3 rubber bands

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. When the oven is ready, with a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, place bacon on the baking sheet and cook until crispy. (Every oven is different, so you must watch the bacon for about 15 minutes, give or take a few).

While bacon is cooking, chop up jalapeños and grate the cheese. Be sure to save one stem as decoration for the finished product.

Add the cream cheese, shredded cheese, Cherchies® Garlic Seasoning, and jalapeños to a medium-sized bowl. (Make sure to use kitchen gloves while chopping up jalapeños…trust me from experience; you need the gloves).

When cooked and cooled, chop up the bacon and add to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients with a hand-held mixer until combined.

Use a rubber spatula to shape the mixture into a ball. Place the cheeseball on a piece of plastic wrap and cover the cheeseball. Use rubber bands to create the typical grooves found on pumpkins. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Place the cheese crackers in a plastic resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin, rolling over the bag until fine crumbs are formed. Set aside. If you have a food processor, place the crackers in the processor and pulse until finely ground.

Once your cheeseball has chilled in the refrigerator*, add the crushed crackers to a medium bowl, remove the rubber bands, and roll the cheese pumpkin in the crushed crackers. Decorate with the saved jalapeño stem and serve with crackers, pretzels, and/or carrots, celery, and cucumbers for a healthier dipping option.

Enjoy!

For a football shape, add extra cooked bacon on the outside, followed by Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese.

Notes:

  • Substituting the Cheese Itz- Feel free to substitute them with cheese puffs, spicy Doritos (regular Doritos are not as orange, or extra grated yellow cheddar cheese.

  • Grating Cheese- It’s always better to hand-grate a block of cheese. Pre-shredded cheese works in a pinch. If baking this mixture for a hot dip, hand-grated cheese is best because the pre-shredded cheese does not melt as well because of the coating added to the cheese.

  • Would you prefer a hot dip? Evenly spread the dip ingredients into a pie plate (step five, “Use a rubber spatula to shape the mixture into a ball”), sprinkle with the cracker crumbs, and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until bubbly.

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