Matcha Cookie Bites

Matcha Cookie Bites
Prep Time
20 minutes, plus 20 minutes cook time
Number of Servings
72
Ingredients

Cookies

Filling

Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Mix all dry ingredients together. Mix all wet ingredients together. Combine dry and wet ingredients, and mix thoroughly.
  2. Lightly oil two large baking sheets. Scoop out about [q:1 1/2] to 2 teaspoons cookie dough for each cookie, roll into 1-inch balls, and place in rows on the cookie sheet about 2-inches apart. You should have approximately 7 rows of cookies with 10 or so cookies in each row. Press the center of each ball of cookie dough down with your thump to form an indentation.
  3. Fill approximately 10 cookies in each row with one of the following fillings: 2 dried cherries, 1 almond, 2 pistachios pressing them down slightly. Fill one more row of cookies with [q:1/4] teaspoon grated chocolate and [q:1/4] teaspoon coconut in each indentation, and one row with [q:1/2] teaspoon shredded coconut. Do not fill the last remaining row cookies with grape butter until after baking. You should now have 7 rows of cookies with approximately 10 cookies each, with one row unfilled.
  4. Bake 18 to 20 minutes. Remove immediately and allow to cool. Fill the remaining unfilled cookies with about [q:1/4] to [q:1/2] teaspoon grape butter.
  5. Arrange all cookies on a serving platter.
Nutrition Info
52 calories, 2g fat (40% calories from fat), 1g protein, 7g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 0mg cholesterol, 38mg sodium

Oatmeal Cherry Pecan Cookies

Oatmeal Cherry Pecan Cookies
Prep Time
Prep: 10 minutes, Cook: 20 minutes
Number of Servings
18
Ingredients
Directions

Preheat oven to 400°. Oil two large baking sheets.

In a large bowl, mix together the first seven ingredients and the dried cherries.

In another bowl combine the safflower oil, apple juice, maple syrup, vanilla and barley malt.

Mix together with the dry ingredients.

Drop batter by heaping tablespoons, about two inches apart, on the baking sheets.

Press each cookie with moistened fingers or a spoon to flatten.

Bake 17 to 20 minutes until the cookies are golden brown on the bottom.

Transfer cookies to a rack to cool.

Nutrition Info
Per serving: 183 calories, 9g fat (41% calories from fat), 3g protein, 26g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 0mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium

Tart Cherry Pistachio Bark

Tart Cherry Pistachio Bark
Prep Time
15 minutes
Number of Servings
Serves 10
Ingredients
  • [q:1 1/2] cups dark chocolate chips
  • [q:1/2] cup white chocolate chips
  • [q:1 1/2] teaspoons coconut oil, divided
  • [q:1/2] cup dried Montmorency tart cherries
  • [q:1/2] cup pistachios, shelled
Directions
  1. Line a quarter sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a microwave safe bowl, place dark chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil.
  3. Microwave on half power in 30 second intervals, stirring between each time, until melted.
  4. Place white chocolate chips in a separate bowl with remaining coconut oil.
  5. Repeat microwave directions until chips are melted.
  6. Spread dark chocolate out on prepared sheet pan.
  7. Drizzle white chocolate over dark chocolate.
  8. Use a butter knife and drag through drizzles to make a pretty pattern.
  9. Sprinkle with pistachios and Montmorency tart cherries.
  10. Chill until hardened. Break into small pieces and serve.
Nutrition Info
276 Calories, 4 g Protein, 3 mg Cholesterol, 26 g Carbohydrates, 17 g Total sugars (12 g Added sugars), 4 g Fiber, 18 g Total fat (9 g sat), 14 mg Sodium, [nut:2] Iron, [nut:1] Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc

Cranberry Cherry Sauce

Cranberry Cherry Sauce
Prep Time
5 minutes, Cook: 15 minutes
Number of Servings
8
Ingredients
Directions
  1. Place all ingredients except the kuzu in a medium saucepan, cover and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce the flame to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Dissolve kuzu and slowly add it to the fruit, stirring constantly until thick.
  4. Serve room temperature or refrigerate to cool.
Nutrition Info
122 calories, 0g fat (1% calories from fat), 1g protein, 31g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 0mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium

Berry Cherry Granola Squares

Berry Cherry Granola Squares
Prep Time
Prep Time 20 minutes
Number of Servings
30
Ingredients

Crust & Topping

Directions
  1. Place the three types dried fruit in a large saucepan with the apple juice, sea salt, cherry juice concentrate and maple syrup. Bring to a boil, reduce the flame to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the kuzu and cold water. Stir until completely dissolved. Add dissolved kuzu, a little at a time, to the cooked fruit while stirring constantly. Cook 1 minute until thick. Turn off flame and allow to cool while making the crust. Preheat the oven to 350°.
  3. To prepare the crust and topping, roast oats in a dry skillet until slightly browned and they release a nutty aroma. Remove and place in a medium mixing bowl.
  4. Dry roast the sunflower seeds, stirring constantly, until slightly browned. Place in a food processor or blender, and pulse just until a coarse consistency. Combine with oats. Add flours and sea salt, and mix.
  5. Add vanilla, olive oil apple juice and maple syrup, and mix again.
  6. Lightly oil a [q:11 1/2]" x [q:16 1/2]" baking sheet.
  7. Sprinkle [q: 3/4] of the crust mixture over the baking sheet.
  8. With a spatula or rolling pin press the crust mixture down until flat and evenly covering the bottom of the sheet.
  9. Spread cooked fruit evenly over the crust with a spoon.
  10. Take the remaining crust mixture and sprinkle it on top of the fruit. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
  11. Remove and allow to cool for 20 minutes or so before cutting into squares.
Nutrition Info
Per serving: 183 calories, 6g fat (27% calories from fat), 2g protein, 32g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 0mg cholesterol, 101mg sodium

Quinoa Cherry Pudding

Quinoa Cherry Pudding
Prep Time
20 minutes, plus 25 minutes cook time
Number of Servings
4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Eden Quinoa, washed and drained
  • 2 cups water
  • [q:1/8] tsp Eden Sea Salt
  • [q:1/3] cup Eden Dried Montmorency Cherries, coarsely chopped or Eden Dried Wild Blueberries or Edebn Dried Cranberries, do not chop
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • [q:1/3] cup organic maple syrup
  • 2 cups EdenSoy Vanilla
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • [q:1/3] cup slivered organic almonds, dry pan roasted for garnish or Eden Tamari Roasted Almonds, chopped
Directions
  1. Place the quinoa, water, sea salt, dried cherries and cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce the flame and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Add the EdenSoy and syrup. Simmer, uncovered, for another 10 minutes.
  4. Turn off the flame and mix in the vanilla. Cover the pan and let sit for 15 minutes to thicken.
  5. Place in serving bowls and garnish with slivered almonds.
Nutrition Info
420 calories, 10 g fat, 13 g protein, 71 g carbohydrate, 13 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 123 mg sodium

Chocolate-Avocado Mousse

Chocolate-Avocado Mousse
Prep Time
10 minutes, plus 20 minutes soak time
Number of Servings
Serves 4
Ingredients
  • 2 ripe avocados, halved, pitted, and peeled
  • [q:1/3] cup raw cacao powder
  • 2 Tbsp raw honey
  • 4 Medjool dates, pitted and soaked in warm water for 20 minutes, then drained
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped
  • 8 fresh cherries
  • Pistachio nuts 
  • Toasted coconut shavings, to serve
Directions
  1. Combine avocado, cacao powder, honey, dates, cinnamon, and vanilla bean seeds in a food processor. Blend until very smooth and fluffy.
  2. Spoon mousse into four small glasses. Top each with two cherries, pistachio nuts, and toasted coconut.
Nutrition Info
330 Calories, 5 g Protein, 0 mg Cholesterol, 44 g Carbohydrates, 28 g Total sugars (9 g Added sugars), 13 g Fiber, 20 g Total fat (5 g sat), 10 mg Sodium, [nut:3] Vitamin B6, [nut:2] Folate, Magnesium, Phosphorus, [nut:1] Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Iron, Potassium, Zinc

Cherry Vanilla Smoothie

Cherry Vanilla Smoothie
Prep Time
10 minutes
Number of Servings
2 16-ounce servings
Ingredients
  • 2 cups frozen cherries
  • 2 cups (packed) baby spinach
  • 1 Tbsp almond butter
  • 2 cups coconut water
  • [q:1/2] tsp wheatgrass powder*
  • 2 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • Sweetener, to taste
  • 1 Tbsp chia seeds (optional)
Directions
  1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
  2. Taste and sweeten as desired.
Nutrition Info
299 Calories, 7 g Protein, 0 mg Cholesterol, 49 g Carbohydrates, 37 g Total sugars (9 g Added sugars), 9 g Fiber, 7 g Total fat (1 g sat), 285 mg Sodium, [nutrition:5] Vitamin K, [nutrition:3] Magnesium, [nutrition:2] Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin C, Phosphorus, Potassium, H Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Calcium, Folate, Iron, Zinc

Stop Pain with Natural Relief

Stop Pain with Natural Relief
Lynn Tryba
Arnica Tablets with arnica flowers next to an old Homeopathic medical book.

When it comes to managing pain associated with inflammation, arthritis, muscle or joint pain, studies have shown that many natural remedies can provide relief.

Natural Remedies for Pain Relief

  • Cayenne

    Cayenne creams and ointments can help relieve the pain of inflammation associated with cluster headaches, lower back pain, and arthritis.

    Capsaicin, a healing plant chemical in cayenne, desensitizes nerve endings that transport pain messages to the brain.

    Try topical capsaicin cream for localized pain. And if you like spicy food, add cayenne to your diet.

  • Arnica & Calendula

    Arnica and calendula are tried-and-true natural remedies for bruises and muscle soreness, and they may help alleviate post-workout muscle fatigue. Try a cream or ointment that lists either as an active ingredient.

  • Omega 3

    Available in both foods and supplements, omega 3s may help relieve pain by treating underlying inflammation.

    One study involving patients with rheumatoid arthritis suggests that cod liver oil—rich in omega 3s—may reduce the amount of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) needed to reduce pain. Fish oil may also help relieve back pain and menstrual cramps.

    Other good omega 3 sources include flaxseeds, cold-water fatty fish, and walnuts.

  • Ginger

    Ginger has been used for centuries to relieve joint pain, headaches, menstrual cramps, sore throats, and toothaches. This herb triggers the body’s natural pain-relieving endorphins and encourages rebuilding of muscles damaged by inflammation.

    While fresh ginger root can be helpful, a standardized extract may be the most reliable way to deliver ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Tart Cherries

    Research indicates that tart cherries contain compounds that counter inflammation as effectively as ibuprofen. Other studies suggest drinking tart cherry juice to prevent exercise-induced muscle damage, strength loss, and pain. To avoid muscle soreness after exercising, try drinking 10 to 12 ounces of tart cherry juice providing 80 milligrams of anthocyanins both during and after an exercise session.

    Eating 10 to 20 cherries daily may be beneficial for some people with joint pain.

How to Choose the Appropriate Natural Pain Remedy

Here is a quick reference for managing your pain relief naturally.

  • Joint Pain

    • cayenne
    • cherry
    • fish oil
    • ginger

  • Headaches

    • ginger
    • for tension headaches, apply heating pad to neck muscles

  • Lower Back Pain

    • cayenne
    • cherry
    • apply heating pad to affected area

  • Menstrual Cramps

    • fish oil
    • ginger
    • apply heating pad to affected area
    • arnica

  • Muscle Soreness

    • arnica
    • calendula
    • cherry
    • ginger
    • apply ice pack to affected area
Sources

"Association of diet and headache" by S.R. Jahromi et al., The Journal of Headache and Pain, 11/14/19

"What are the health benefits of tart cherry juice?" by Amy Malec, www.ConsumerLab.com, 8/22/22

You might also like...

Tags
body care
pain relief
natural remedies
inflammation
calendula
ginger
omega 3
cherries
peppers
homeopathy
arnica

Future Sidebar Content

Watch this space!

Antioxidant-Rich Cherries

Antioxidant-Rich Cherries
Lynn Tryba
a bowl of fresh cherries

Historical Use of Cherries

People have used cherries for medicinal reasons for centuries.

  • The Ojibwe tribe used the bark and the root of wild cherry to treat coughs and colds and to ease stomach pain.
  • The Mi'kmaq used black cherries as a curative tonic.

Tea made from cherry stalks was thought to cure kidney diseases and was also used as an anti-inflammatory.

Cherries have been growing in American soil since 1629, shortly after the first Pilgrims arrived with seeds from Europe.

Health Benefits of Cherries

  • As a Food

    Low in calories (just 78 calories per cup for sour cherries; 104 calories for sweet cherries), fat free, cholesterol free, and low in sodium, cherries are also a great source of fiber.

    They’re high in potassium as well as vitamins A and C.

  • As a Medicine

    Today, cherries are riding a wave of popularity as science finds them rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins.

    Most of the recent research pertains to the sour or tart cherries commonly used in pies or enjoyed fresh in season.

    • Anti-Inflammatory

      Research shows that the fruit may be useful in fighting cancer and is also high in anti-inflammatories that are effective in treating arthritis and gout.

    • Anti-Cancer

      Experimental evidence links anthocyanins in cherries with slower colon cancer cell growth. Researchers at Michigan State University find that the 17 antioxidant compounds found in cherries may be 10 times stronger pain relievers than ibuprofen or aspirin!

    • Antioxidant

      Montmerency herries have an ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capacity) rating seven times the amount found in red grapes.

    • Sleep Aid

      Russel J. Reiter, PhD, at the University of Texas reports that Montmorency (tart) cherries contain high levels of melatonin, a natural sleep aid.

      Consuming a tart cherry juice concentrate can increase a person's melatonin levels—and improve sleep duration.

Choosing the Right Cherries

Color is a good way to judge phytonutrient content in cherries, and sour varieties are higher in antioxidants.

A good rule of thumb is "the darker, the better."

Here are some varieties to look for when this fruit comes into season in the spring:

  • Balaton

    Balaton is a deep burgundy cherry with a sweet-tart flavor.

  • Bing

    Bing cherries, developed in Oregon, are big and round with extra sweetness.

  • Lambert

    Lambert, similar in texture and taste to Bing, is small and heart-shaped.

  • Montmorency

    Montmorency, a sour cherry that is often frozen, is smaller than sweet cherries, bright red in color, and popular in pies.

  • Morello

    Morello, useful for cooking as well as eating, has deep red flesh and dark juice.

Tips for Using Cherries

Pitted, sliced, juiced, or chopped, cherries can complement a wide variety of foods.

To pit a cherry, halve it with a sharp paring knife (or invest in an inexpensive pitter).

  • Buy Fresh and Freeze

    Enjoy fresh cherries in season. Freeze leftovers for later use.

    But while you can buy fresh, seasonal fruit, try these additional ways to use cherries.

  • In Salads

    Add pitted cherries to salad greens, along with nuts and thinly sliced red onions.

    Use cherry juice as the acid part of salad dressings.

  • In Yogurt

    Sprinkle chopped sweet cherries over plain or frozen yogurt.

  • In Spritzers

    Replace red wine with cherry juice in sangria and spritzers.

  • Fruit Kebabs

    Alternate pitted cherries with melon cubes on skewers for a healthy snack.

You might also like...

Contributor
The Taste for Life Staff
Tags
cherries
kitchen / cooking
shopping
antioxidants

Future Sidebar Content

Watch this space!

Subscribe to cherries