Cherchies Blog

blackberry preserves

Blackberry Champagne Salmon Recipe

entrees, glaze marinade & sauce, lunch, gluten freeSheri SpalloneComment
Blackberry Champagne Salmon Recipe

Blackberry Champagne Salmon Recipe

Originally posted in 2016 but with updated pictures! Our #1 requested recipe!

This salmon recipe is probably the most delicious salmon recipe I have ever made, salmon with a blackberry champagne mustard glaze. Awesome! 

I failed to mention this recipe is extremely easy. Just my speed, "easy and elegant".  The best part, my family LOVED it.  They didn't even need the "one bite rule" enforced.  

Ingredients

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking pan with parchment paper.  Sprinkle salmon with Cherchies® Garlic Seasoning and pepper.  Divide the butter into Tablespoon (Tbsp) portions and place on salmon a few inches apart.  

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together Cherchies® Champagne Mustard and Cherchies® Blackberry Preserves until blended.  Slather the mixture over the salmon.  Bake the salmon in the oven for 20 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through (breaks apart easily with a fork).

Serve with your favorite salad.  Enjoy!

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Blackberry Champagne Salmon Recipe

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Cooking Tip: How To Make Frozen Yogurt Popsicles

cooking tips, dessertsSheri SpalloneComment
Cooking Tip: How to Make Frozen Yogurt Popsicles

Cooking Tip: How to Make Frozen Yogurt Popsicles

Posted originally 9/7/16, but updated to reflect the times.

Frozen popsicles are just plain fun for kiddos and adults alike. Am I right? They are perfect heat busters, the flavor combinations are endless, they are easy to make with real pronounceable ingredients you have handy, and they are creative outlets for cooped up young adults. Yes!

How are you doing? A LOT has happened these last few months, but our family is safe, and for that, I am grateful, and I hope you and your family are as well. Do you have children at home? We have a full house once again (25, 19, and 16), and our younger two are always bored (even after they do something), and they are always hungry. Sound familiar? Luckily, they have always loved helping in the kitchen, so when they were practically bouncing off the walls the other day, with "nothing to do," I suggested making one of their favorite summer recipes, homemade frozen yogurt popsicles®.

Surprisingly, no eye-roll :). Problem solved, a creative project they could make and eat! Win-win! (I must have caught them at a weak moment).

A few years back, our middle child, Nicholas (15 at the time) suggested we not only use fruit and yogurt (instead of the typical fruit and fruit juices) but add our fruit butter spreads and preserves to the mix, an idea that had never crossed my mind before. It made sense, fruit butter spreads are fruits that have cooked down to a spreadable consistency, so why not use them in frozen pops? But preserves? Yes! What a bright kiddo:).

So we set forth on our quest and made frozen yogurt pops with whatever ingredients we had on hand, blueberries, cherries, vanilla yogurt, leftover Cherry Butter,  Blackberry Preserves, and chocolate syrup. We created three different varieties, Blueberry Vanilla Yogurt Pops, Berry Cherry Yogurt Pops, and Ice Cream Sundae Yogurt Pops . The hardest part for young adults was waiting for the darn things to freeze;).  

These velvety, fruity concoctions will be a hit with your family, as they were with ours. They are the perfect healthy snack, dessert, or breakfast treat, they are easy to make with real ingredients, and they are the ideal boredom-buster project for all ages. Homemade is the best, especially when you can make recipes with someone else, and for me, my friends, spending time with our young adults, is priceless!

Here's how we made them (We made three kinds. You can see the recipes below ).

Thanks for visiting! Come back again. Comment below if you made this recipe and any yummy variations.

Ingredients

Preparation

Before you begin, you'll need a few kitchen tools, a popsicle mold (I purchased this 10 serving mold on Amazon), and a cherry pitter (also to make my life easier).

1.  Separate the greek yogurt into 3 medium bowls (not necessary if only making one variety), and set aside. 

2.  In a small sauce pan, cook the blueberries and the Blackberry Preserves on low until the preserves have dissolved (a few minutes).  Turn off the heat and allow the preserves to cool about 5 minutes.  Now the fun begins!

3.  As I mentioned, we made three varieties.  I'll post another blog in the future (maybe the next heat wave) of other combinations.  For the Blueberry Vanilla Yogurt Pops, we added about 2 Tablespoons of the blueberry-preserve mixture.   Gently swirl the blueberry mixture into the yogurt.  Don't mix too much, as you want the swirled effect.  Carefully pour into the molds.

4.  For the Berry Cherry Pops, we followed Step 3 using 2 Tablespoons (Tbsp) of the Blueberry-Preserve Mixture and we added 1/4 cup of chopped cherries to the mixture, swirled ever so gently just as above, and poured into our molds.

5.  Finally, for the Ice Cream Sundae Pops, we added to the remaining bowl of greek yogurt, chopped cherries, 2 Tablespoons (Tbsp) Cherry butter (heated for 10 seconds in the microwave), and 1 Tablespoon of Chocolate Syrup.

6.  Once again, gently swirl the yogurt mixture and pour into the mold.  The molds I purchased had this handy lid to insert the sticks, but you could easily cover with plastic wrap and insert the sticks into the plastic.  Almost done!  Place in freezer and wait...and wait...and wait!

7.  After a few hours (what seems like eternity), remove the lid or plastic wrap, run the desired mold bottoms under warm water and gently pull out pops.  Voila!  Homemade frozen yogurt fruit pops, a sure-fire heat buster and delicious treat anytime!  Enjoy!

Frozen Yogurt Popsicles

Blueberry Vanilla Yogurt Pops

  • Vanilla Greek Yogurt (divided if making three separate batches)

  • 2 Tablespoons (Tbsp) Blueberry-Preserve Mixture (mentioned in Step 2)

  • Follow directions above for making the pops

Berry Cherry Yogurt Pops

  • Vanilla Greek Yogurt (divided if making three separate batches)

  • 2 Tablespoons (Tbsp) Blueberry-Preserve Mixture (mentioned in Step 2)

  • 1/4 cup chopped cherries

  • Follow directions above for making the pops

Ice Cream Sundae Yogurt Pops

  • Vanilla Greek Yogurt (divided if making three separate batches)

  • 1/4 cup chopped cherries

  • 1 Tablespoon Chocolate Syrup

  • Follow directions above for making the pops

 

 

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Peanut Butter and Jelly Chocolate Cups Recipe

desserts, snacksSheri SpalloneComment
Peanut Butter & Jelly Chocolate Cups Recipe

Peanut Butter & Jelly Chocolate Cups Recipe

Cook Time:  About 20 minutes
Prep Time:  10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers, gather around! Today we introduce to you these deliciously decadent Peanut Butter & Jelly Chocolate Cups, featuring Cherchies® Preserves and Cherchies® Fruit Butter Spreads. Chocolate covered everything I say, and if you are a chocolate lover like I am, I know you will surely understand.

What makes everything better, other than chocolate? (Maybe bacon, but I will save that for another day). These sweet and salty chocolate treats will melt your heart, but grab some for yourself because these tasty morsels will disappear right before your eyes. They did at our home!

Who wants some?

Comment below and let us know what Preserve or Butter Spread you liked most in this recipe.

Thank you for visiting! Come back again!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chocolate chips/ dark chocolate chips 

  • 1 teaspoon (tsp) coconut oil

  • 12 muffin cup liners

  • 1 cup peanut butter

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 1/2 cup Cherchies® Preserves of choice or Cherchies® Butter Spreads

  • Coarse sea salt for garnish (optional)

Preparation
Line a 12 cup muffin tin with disposable cupcake liners.

Combine Peanut Butter and powdered sugar in a medium bowl.  Mix ingredients with hand mixer until combined. Scoop mixture with melon ball scooper (1 inch) and place the mixture on a parchment paper lined tray. Place tray in freezer for about 10 minutes.  Remove Peanut Butter balls from the freezer and flatten with a spatula. Return to freezer while you prepare the chocolate.

While peanut butter patties are chilling, prepare the chocolate. Melt the chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon (tsp.) coconut oil in a bowl over a pan filled with about 1 1/2" water.  Turn the burner on high and stir chips as they begin to melt. (You could melt chips in microwave if your prefer, heating on 50% power for 30 second intervals, stirring each time until completely melted).  When all the chocolate chips are melted, remove the pan and bowl from heat and turn off the stove.

Add about 1 Tablespoon (Tbsp.) (dollop) of melted chocolate to each muffin cup.  Use a clean art brush to spread the chocolate up the sides.  Afterwards, tap the pan on the counter to even the chocolate in the cups.

When peanut butter patties are not tacky, remove them from the freezer and place patties in the middle of the chocolate cup. Add 1 teaspoon (tsp) Cherchies® Preserves or Cherchies® Fruit Butter Spreads and carefully spread over peanut butter patty, making sure not to go to the edge.  The chocolate needs to go on the sides and top. 

Add the remaining chocolate (1 Tablespoon (Tbsp)) to each of the cups.  Use a spoon or small spatula and spread chocolate over peanut butter and jelly to the edge of the cupcake liner to seal in the yumminess. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until set.

Remove from refrigerator, sprinkle with coarse sea salt and enjoy!

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20 Sweet & Savory Compound Butter Recipes

glaze marinade & sauce, grillingSheri Spallone4 Comments
20 Sweet & Savory Compound Butter Recipes

20 Sweet & Savory Compound Butter Recipes

So what is “churning” in our kitchen today? Compound butter! If you have never made compound butter, then you are missing out! Compound butter is a cinch to make, and it adds a rich finish to pretty much everything, meats, seafood, bread, vegetables, pancakes, waffles, and so much more. We wanted to share 20 of our favorite compound butter combinations below (using, you guessed it, Cherchies® products) and directions on how to make them.

So what exactly is compound butter? It is softened butter infused with sweet or savory ingredients. The possibilities are endless for what can go into butter-herbs, cheese, fruit, mustard, spices, jams, fruit, bacon, etc. Talk about a blank canvas!

Sweet compound butter pairs well with scones, rolls, pancakes, waffles, biscuits, croissants, etc., whereas savory compound butter is better with meats, seafood, bread, vegetables, popcorn, and pasta. And sometimes, the sweet and savory are paired together to create something unusually delicious, such as Blackberry Preserves, Champagne Mustard, and butter.

Compound butter is perfect for holidays and parties or anytime you feel fancy, but it also makes an ideal gift for the food-lover in your life. Wrap it up or spread the love into a pretty bowl or container, and voila, an instant homemade gift!

So what are you waiting for? Mix up your favorite Cherchies® products today and make tasty compound butter. You will not be disappointed! Comment below and let us know your favorite combinations or if you have a new mix to share. Have fun!

Enjoy!

Sweet Compound butters- Use on scones, rolls, pancakes, waffles, French Toast, biscuits, corn bread, croissants, and toasted bagels.

  • Fig, cinnamon, and honey butter- Combine 1/2 c. (8 Tablespoons) unsalted softened butter with 1/4 cup Cherchies® Fig Preserves with Cinnamon, and 1 Tablespoon honey.

  • Strawberry honey butter- Combine 1/2 c. (8 Tablespoons) unsalted softened butter with 1/4 cup Cherchies® Strawberry Butter Spread, and 1 Tablespoon honey.

  • Cranberry Butter with Champagne- Combine 1/2 c. (8 Tablespoons) unsalted softened butter with 1/4 cup Cherchies® Cranberry Preserves with Champagne, and 1 teaspoon (tsp) orange zest.

  • Blackberry Bourbon Butter- Combine 1/2 c. (8 Tablespoons) unsalted softened butter, 1/4 cup Cherchies® Blackberry Seedless Preserves, 2 teaspoons (tsp) honey, and 2 teaspoons (tsp) Bourbon (optional).

  • Cherry Vanilla Butter- Combine 1/2 c. (8 Tablespoons) unsalted softened butter, 1/4 cup Cherchies® Cherry Butter Spread, and 1 teaspoon (tsp) vanilla.

  • Apple Cinnamon Honey Butter- Combine 1/2 c. butter (8 Tablespoons) unsalted softened butter with 1/4 cup Cherchies® Apple Butter Spread, and 1 Tablespoon honey.

  • Strawberry Lemon Butter- Combine 1/2 c. (8 Tablespoons) unsalted softened butter, 1/4 cup Cherchies® Strawberry Butter Spread, and 1 Tablespoon (Tbsp.) lemon zest.

  • Blackberry Lemon Butter- Combine 1/2 c. (8 Tablespoons) unsalted softened butter, 1/4 cup Cherchies® Blackberry Preserves, and 1 Tablespoon (Tbsp.) lemon zest.

Savory Compound Butters- Add to meats, seafood, breads, vegetables, popcorn, and pasta.

Here is how it is done

Soften Butter

It all starts with this key ingredient...butter! Make sure to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt, unless directed otherwise. Allow the butter to come to room temperature. I usually leave the butter out on my counter for a couple of hours, but some sources suggest cutting the butter into chunks and setting aside.

Mix

Once the butter is softened, combine the desired ingredients in a bowl with a whisk, rubber spatula, or a hand mixer. I will often soften several sticks of butter and divide them into ramekins so I can make several flavors.

Chill
Once the butter is in your desired container, chill the butter in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. The butter should be nice and firm when it is ready. Experiment and have fun!

  • Cylinder/log- Turn the mixture out onto a long sheet of plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or parchment paper. Use the wrap/foil to roll the butter into a cylinder. Twist the ends, gradually applying more pressure as you twist in order to make the cylinder taut. Once the butter has chilled, slice the butter into discs or “coins” as some like to say.

  • Bowl- For a more rustic presentation, spread the butter into a pretty bowl or container. Presented this way would make perfect gifts.

  • Shape it- Spread the butter on a baking sheet and once it is chilled, use cookie cutters to create festive shapes OR spread the butter into plastic candy molds before chilling.

Up the coolness factor at your next family gathering or party and make these tasty compound butters today.

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