Archive for June 2nd, 2008

Make a Splash at your Summer Picnics & Cookouts with Cherry De-Lite Dried Cherries

Monday, June 2nd, 2008

The weather is warming up and the first official day of summer is just around the corner, meaning it is time for the season of cookouts and picnics to begin.  Here are a few ways to enjoy Cherry De-Lite dried cherries during your outdoor meals this summer…

PARTY PASTA SALAD
This colorful salad will brighten up any backyard bash…

  • 8 ounces bow-tie pasta
  • 3/4 cup Cherry De-Lite dried cherries
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp. Dijon-style mustard
  • 1 tsp. dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain well.  In a large bowl, combine pasta, Cherry De-Lite dried cherries, carrots, cucumber and green onions; mix gently. Combine vinegar, oil, lemon juice, mustard, basil, oregano, thyme and pepper in a small bowl; mix well.  Pour over pasta mixture; mix gently.  Refrigerate, covered, at least 2 hours, or overnight.  Mix gently before serving. Makes 8 servings

CHERRY CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH
A delicious, yet simple sandwich to prepare ahead and please the crowd!

  • 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup Cherry De-Lite dried cherries
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Croissants

Combine chicken, Cherry De-Lite dried cherries and onions in a large bowl; mix well. In another bowl, combine mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice and pepper; pour over chicken mixture.  Mix gently.  Refrigerate, covered, 1 to 2 hours.  Spoon chicken salad on sliced croissants; top with lettuce.  Makes 2-4 servings depending on size of croissants.

CRITTER MUNCH
De-Lite the children at your next picnic with this fun snack…

  • 1-1/2 cups animal cracker cookies
  • 1-1/2 cups cheddar or original flavor goldfish crackers
  • 1 cup Cherry De-Lite dried cherries
  • 1 cup M&M plain candy
  • 1 cup honey roasted peanuts

Put animal crackers, goldfish crackers, Cherry De-Lite dried cherries, M&M’s and peanuts in a large mixing bowl.  Carefully stir with a spoon. Store in a tightly covered container at room temperature. Makes 6 cups.

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