Oh My Darlin' Cherry Dumplin'

February seems to be the official month of Cherries. Maybe it's because of George Washington and his legendary tree. Maybe their red color makes them a Valentine's Day favorite. Maybe people are just ready for summer fruit after a long winter of eating apples. But although we are at least 4 months away from true cherry season, I am always hungry for cherries in February. Plump, juicy, tart cherries are my favorite fruit. I love to bake with them, they elevate a simple dough or pastry to new heights. Plain flaky crusts show them off beautifully, allowing their flavor to burst through in every bite. You don't need to dress them up much either. Frozen cherries only need a bit of sugar to make them sing.

While perusing some of the entries in Valentine Postcards Around the World, I ran across a gorgeous heart shaped cherry tart. I began to think about making a cherry dessert of my own. I had a vision of cherry loveliness. It wasn't going to be a pie or a turnover. I was craving something doughy and warm, maybe with a cobbler topping on it, with the sort of crusty top you only get from sprinkling it with sugar. I began the cookbook recipe search. Hmmm... I came across a Cherry Dumpling recipe in the fabulous Tartine book. I had found my inspiration! I took a few liberties, halved the recipe, omitted a few things and added a couple more. An hour later, Lovie and I were enjoying a warm, gooey Cherry Dumpling just out of the oven. It was exactly what I needed in February. Thanks George!

Darlin' Cherry Dumplin'

16 oz frozen Cherries

1/4 cup Sugar

2 oz Milk

2 Eggs

1 1/2 tablespoons Butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon Vanilla

2 1/2 tablespoons Sour Cream

3 tablespoons Sugar

3/4 teaspoon Baking Powder

4 1/2 oz Flour

pinch of Salt

Vanilla Sugar to sprinkle

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place cherries in a 9 inch greased pie plate and toss with 1/4 cup sugar. Whisk together milk, eggs, butter, vanilla and sour cream, set aside. Whisk together remaining sugar, baking powder, flour and salt. Mix into wet ingredients just until blended. Pour over the cherries. Sprinkle top with Vanilla sugar. Bake 40-50 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy with cold milk!

Comments

[Brilynn]

You know how I love cherries! This looks delicious!