Granted this probably isn't that exciting to some of you who live in environments more conducive to this kind of thing... but hey, I'm excited!
Tartarian Cherries
Tartarian Cherries
Not quite ripe Stella Cherries
I don't know what it is about these cherries... but they seem so exotic! I mean picking my very own-just-like-in-the-store cherries is pretty special. There is also a story behind these trees. Back in 1995-96 I had to have my two lovely blue Merle Collie girls put to sleep within months of each other. They were 9 and 10 years old and it was horrible to lose them. Hanna was my first ever collie and she was the most perceptive dog I've ever known. And she was gorgeous. And she knew it. Mara was her half sister and was a Smooth. Mara was a complex and sensitive girl. They were my best buds and we had lots of adventures together. Mara developed bone cancer and Hanna congestive heart failure. It was a terrible time.
The next Spring I wanted to do something to remember them by. I ordered two cherry trees and planted them near their graves. This Spring the trees are 11 years old, and this is the first real crop they've produced. Over the years each tree has had a few cherries here and there, but usually they get frozen back. This year though--this year they are glorious! Mara's Tree is the one currently loaded with ripe cherries. It is a Tartarian Cherry (I think that is correct). The cherries are very tart. Any ideas for their use? Hanna's Tree will have fewer cherries, but they are larger and slower to ripen. It is a Stella Cherry.
Such a lovely treat! 
5 comments:
It looks like a good reason for cherry pie to me - yum -
That little white eared ewe lamb is a cutie :-)
Glad your mom is doing better. T.
If you wanted to dry some of the tart cherries, I have a yummy cookie recipe for them (from tina t-p!), but if you don't have loads, then I'd vote for washing and drying them, then dipping them in milk chocolate - a lovely juxtaposition of flavors!
How wonderful to have your memorial trees come through this year! I didn't think to do something like that for Rosie; I think seeing a tree out where she is buried would make me weep. As it is, I can mostly put her and her resting place out of my mind, which is good for being able to function....
I think you should make pies, and then bring those pies to Humansville to share with fellow shepherds.
Just a suggestion. ;)
Can't believe you have cherries already! My mouth is watering, just looking at the picture!
Oh Angela! What a wonderful tribute to your girls. The cherries are wonderful! Tart cherries - to enjjoy them fresh, pit them, toss some sugar over them, and let them sit in the fridge for a day or two. You can make a pound cake or yellow cake box mix, baked in a bread loaf pan...or buy one. Then some whipped cream and the cherries and sugar on top! A great way to enjoy fresh tart cherries!! Send some my way....hehehehe......
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