Chef Chuck's Cherry Torta

Torta di Ciliege


Life's a bowl of cherries so live, laugh and have fun! I like the blended flavors of cherries and vanilla, this is one delicious cherry torta. Cherries are in abundance now so take advantage and try this simple dessert, it can be served warm or cold. So gather around the table and enjoy this moist summer time treat.

Cherry Torta


2-3 cups fresh organic cherries
6 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup ground almonds
3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt


Icing
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla


Wash and pit cherries, place in a bowl and sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar on top, set aside. In a mixer cream butter and sugar together for a minute, add 1 egg at a time, then vanilla. In a food processor chop almonds till powder form. Slowly add sifted ground almonds, flour, baking powder and salt. Using a 9 or 10 inch pan, butter well pour in batter, top with cherries. Bake 350 degrees for 35 - 40 minutes. Drizzle icing on a warm torta.

Chef Chuck's Salmon with Black Cherry Reduction

Salmone con Amarena

Salmon and black cherry reduction sauce was a surprising combination, that I decided to create today. The reduction sauce was sweet and light and paired well with the salmon. These black cherries were a seasonal delight.


Salmon with Black Cherry Reduction
1 pound salmon
1 1/2 cups black cherries, pitted
1 cup water
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper


Combine all ingredients except salmon in a saucepan and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place salmon in baking pan salt and pepper, pour cherry reduction over top. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes.