Now that it’s summer, you’ve been doing your part for your health by buying up
fresh fruit, but now you’re wondering, what do I do with it?

Yes, biting into a juicy plum, nectarine or bowl of cherries is great this time
of year, but it can get monotonous, and if that bowl of mixed fruit and/or fruit
smoothies get tiresome and boring, you can use up that large haul of fruit to
make the following recipes.

The recipes:
1) Cherry Compote-
The price of fresh cherries are downright cheap this time of year, so make sure
to buy plenty and use them to make this delicious sauce.
To make:
Bring 1 lb. of sweet cherries, (pitted), 1/3 cup of natural apple juice, 2 Tbs. of sugar,
2 Tbs. of cornstarch and 1/2 tsp. of orange zest to a boil over medium heat; reduce
heat to low. Simmer 5 mins. Stir in 2 tsp. of balsamic vinegar; cool for 1 hour.
Use this sauce to enhance the flavor of vanilla Ice cream, a bowl of plain
yogurt, a bowl of fruit or even as a marinade for chicken or pork, (pulled pork
or chops).
Enough for 8 servings.

2) Grilled Nectarines-
After grilling the meat and veggies, leave the grill on and caramelize a few nectarines.
To make: Halve 8 nectarines, remove the pits. Whisk 2 Tbs. of maple syrup, 1 Tbs. of
olive oil and 1 tsp. of vanilla extract; brush over cut sides of the nectarines. Heat grill
pan over medium heat; cook fruit side down until lightly browned, 1 to 2 mins. Top each
nectarine with sour cream, ricotta or mascarpone cheese.
Serves 8.

3) Sweet Plum Galettes-
Take a break from eating plums like apples and use them to make this delicious
baked treat. To make: Combine 8 cups of sliced plums, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 tsp. of
lemon juice, 1 tsp. of vanilla and 1/2 tsp. of cornstarch. Roll 1 (14 oz.) package
of piecrusts to 12″ rounds. Using 6″ round cutter, cut 8 shapes, rerolling scraps.
Add the filling; crimp the edges and bake on a baking sheet at 400*F for 20
to 25 mins. Make sure to check on these at the 15 min. mark, so they don’t
become too dark.
Enough for 8 servings.

That’s it, 3 recipes to help you use up that bounty of Summer fruit, you recently
bought.
Enjoy!

Sources:
* A Taste of Home-Magazine
* Farmer’s Market Magazine, July 2022 edition-cooking your Summer fruit
* A First for Women Magazine, July 24, 2023 Issue

Please pass this article and the recipes on to friends and family who love
buying fresh fruit (especially cherries, nectarines and plums) this time of year.
Share it over at Facebook, Instagram, (stories), Pinterest, Snapchat,
Reddit, Tik-Tok and Twitter.

Thank-You!