In addition to their awesome bulk section and farmer's market caliber produce, one of the reasons I prefer shopping at our local mega-co-op, Rainbow Grocery, is the tough love. Unlike at Whole Foods, where the friendly, helpful employees always creep me out a little, the workers at Rainbow seem to take pleasure in customer disappointment.
And yet, masochistically, I don't mind the bitchy workers. It's the annoying Rainbow customers that drive me crazy.
The other day, I was at Rainbow pawing through peaches. They didn't look or smell that great, but I was prepared to overlook that fact, as well as their exorbitant price, in anticipation of the rhubarb peach pie they would become. Another shopper sidled up next to me, critically inspecting the peaches. He pointed to a bin and asked, "Are those any good?"
When I shrugged, the man bustled over to the produce stocker and asked to be advised as to the best peaches.
The stocker grinned. "They're no good. Don't buy any of them."
"See," the man called to me, "I just saved you, like, twenty bucks!" I reluctantly replaced the peaches and reached for a bag of cherries instead.
The man followed me over to the cherries and tasted one. He went back to the stocker and complained, "These aren't very good. They're kinda sour."
The stocker smirked. "That's because the season's already over. Gone. You missed 'em." Satisfied by the customer's crestfallen expression, he turned back to stocking plums.
Perhaps if I were a produce stocker at Rainbow I'd be too proud to buy Washington cherries in July. Luckily, I'm not.
I brought them home and made these tarts inspired by one of my favorite blogs, Vegetarian Ventures. Shelly fills hers with tiny strawberries topped with basil microgreens. (Basil mircogreens! Genius!) Her Mini Strawberry Chocolate Tarts with Whipped Goat Cheese are not only beautiful, but also healthy – grain-free and maple-sweetened, with yogurt in the filling.
I made my tarts a bit more traditional with a buttery crust, creamy center, and just enough sugar in each component to make these tarts sophisticatedly (that's totally a word) sweet.
I can't decide what I like best about these tarts. There's the gluten-free press-in crust that, thanks to dutch-processed cocoa powder, tastes like almond-flecked oreos. There's the cloud of whipped goat cheese filling that smacks of cheesecake. There are plump cherries simmered with ruby port and vanilla bean that manage to taste even more like themselves than plain cherries.
And then! There's the leftover syrup from the cherries that, when mixed with ice and fizzy water, makes the deepest, darkest, most delicious cherry cream soda, ever (rye whiskey optional).
The cherries alone are very worth making, and will probably keep, refrigerated in their syrup, for up to a month or two, or frozen for much longer.
All in all, a great way to extend cherry season...
and thwart snarky produce stockers.
More Cherry Recipes:
- Roasted Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream with Bourbon and Chocolate
- Cherry Marzipan Scones
- Apricot Cherry Fold-Over Pie
- Cherry Marzipan Scones
*Bojon appétit! For more Bojon Gourmet in your life, follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest, purchase my gluten-free cookbook Alternative Baker, or subscribe to receive new posts via email. And if you make this cherry and chevre cream tart recipe, I’d love to know. Leave a comment and rating below, and tag your Instagram snaps @The_Bojon_Gourmet and #bojongourmet.*
Gluten-Free Chocolate, Port-Poached Cherry, and Chèvre Cream Tarts
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
Vanilla and Port-Poached Cherries:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh cherries, stemmed and pitted
- 1 1/4 cups ruby port
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped
- 6 tablespoons sugar
Gluten-Free Chocolate Press-In Crust:
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (2 ounces)
- 1/3 cup oat flour (1 1/4 ounces)
- 1/3 cup sweet white rice flour (such as Mochiko) (1 3/4 ounces)
- 1/3 cup dutch-process cocoa powder (1 ounce)
- 1/4 cup sugar (1 3/4 ounces)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, in 1/2" dice (1 1/2 ounces)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Goat Cheese Whipped Cream:
- 3 ounces crumbled, soft, fresh goat cheese (about 3/4 cup)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (6 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- seeds from 1/2 a vanilla bean
Instructions
Poach the cherries:
- In a wide, stainless steel skillet, combine the pitted cherries, port, vanilla pod and scrapings, and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, shuffling the pan occasionally, until the cherries are firm-tender, about 10 minutes.
- Carefully strain the cherries into a heat-proof bowl. Drain well. Return the juices to the pan; simmer until thick, syrupy, and bubbling, about 5 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally. You can either store the cherries in their syrup, or store the two separately. Let cool to room temperature, then chill both until cool, 1 hour or up to several days. (You can probably refrigerate the cherries in their syrup for up to a month or two, though I have yet to test this theory.)
Make the crust:
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350º. Place six 3 1/2" tart pans with removable bottoms (or one 8 or 9" pan) on a baking sheet.
- In the bowl of a food processor, blend the sliced almonds, flours, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until the almonds are pulverized, about a minute. Scatter the butter pieces over the top, sprinkle over the vanilla extract, and process until the mixture forms large, moist clumps.
- Divide the crust crumbs evenly among the tart pans. Press first the sides, then the bottoms, into the pan, taking the time to make the crust even and square where the sides meet the bottom. (If the dough is soft or sticky, chill it for 5-10 minutes until it will behave.) Freeze the shells until firm, at least 15 minutes (or wrap and freeze for up to several months).
- Bake the shells until they are dry and fairly firm to the touch, 15-20 minutes. Let the shells cool completely. Store them in their rings for protection until ready to serve.
Make the goat cheese whipped cream:
- In a large bowl, combine the crumbled goat cheese, cream, vanilla seeds, and sugar. Whip with a sturdy wire whisk until soft peaks form. (Tip: if you overwhip and the mixture becomes grainy, gently fold in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream until the mixture smooths out again.) Chill if not using right away.
Assemble the tarts:
- Just before serving, carefully remove the shells from the pans by placing a tart pan on a small, inverted bowl and gently easing away the sides. Use the tip of a sharp knife to gently pry the tart shell away from the bottom of the pan.
- Place the tart shells on their serving plates. Divide the cream among the shells. Spoon the cherries over the cream, drizzling with their syrup. Serve right away.
Notes
Nutrition
Gluten-Free Chocolate, Port-Poached Cherry, and Chèvre Cream Tarts
A few notes:
If gluten is an issue for you or your guests, be sure to seek out certified gluten-free ingredients (particularly oat flour). If gluten isn't an issue, feel free to use this recipe instead. I like the Oreo-like flavor of dutch-processed cocoa powder in the crust, but natural cocoa should work, too; the crusts will be lighter in color, and have a slightly different (though still delicious) flavor. I used an organic California zinfandel port from Sobon that was mildly sweet, and I think it contributed to the deliciousness of the cherries.
Cherry pitting can be messy business, so I recommend wearing all black to do the deed, and latex gloves if you mind having purple-hued fingers the next day. If you lack individual tart pans, this recipe should work in an 8- or 9-inch tart pan.
These should be assembled "a la minute," or to order, lest the shells become soggy, but you can make all the components up to two or three days ahead. If you prefer to assemble the tarts in advance, you can paint the inside of the crusts with melted chocolate (shown here) to protect them from the moisture of the filling.
All ounce measurements are by weight.
Makes six small (3 1/2") tarts, or 1 large (8-9") tart
Vanilla and Port-Poached Cherries:
1 1/2 pounds fresh cherries, stemmed and pitted
1 1/4 cups ruby port
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped
6 tablespoons sugar
Gluten-Free Chocolate Press-In Crust:
1/2 cup (2 ounces) sliced almonds
1/3 cup (1 1/4 ounces) oat flour
1/3 cup (1 3/4 ounces) sweet white rice flour (such as Mochiko)
1/3 cup (1 ounce) dutch-process cocoa powder
1/4 cup (1 3/4 ounces) sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) cold, unsalted butter, in 1/2" dice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Goat Cheese Whipped Cream:
3 ounces crumbled, soft, fresh goat cheese (about 3/4 cup)
3/4 cup (6 ounces) heavy cream
1 tablespoon sugar
seeds from 1/2 a vanilla bean
Poach the cherries:
In a wide, stainless steel skillet, combine the pitted cherries, port, vanilla pod and scrapings, and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, shuffling the pan occasionally, until the cherries are firm-tender, about 10 minutes.
Carefully strain the cherries into a heat-proof bowl. Drain well. Return the juices to the pan; simmer until thick, syrupy, and bubbling, about 5 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally. You can either store the cherries in their syrup, or store the two separately. Let cool to room temperature, then chill both until cool, 1 hour or up to several days. (You can probably refrigerate the cherries in their syrup for up to a month or two, though I have yet to test this theory.)
Make the crust:
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350ºF. Place six 3 1/2" tart pans with removable bottoms (or one 8 or 9" pan) on a baking sheet.
In the bowl of a food processor, blend the sliced almonds, flours, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until the almonds are pulverized, about a minute. Scatter the butter pieces over the top, sprinkle over the vanilla extract, and process until the mixture forms large, moist clumps.
Divide the crust crumbs evenly among the tart pans. Press first the sides, then the bottoms, into the pan, taking the time to make the crust even and square where the sides meet the bottom. (If the dough is soft or sticky, chill it for 5-10 minutes until it will behave.) Freeze the shells until firm, at least 15 minutes (or wrap and freeze for up to several months).
Bake the shells until they are dry and fairly firm to the touch, 15-20 minutes. Let the shells cool completely. Store them in their rings for protection until ready to serve.
Make the goat cheese whipped cream:
In a large bowl, combine the crumbled goat cheese, cream, vanilla seeds, and sugar. Whip with a sturdy wire whisk until soft peaks form. (Tip: if you overwhip and the mixture becomes grainy, gently fold in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream until the mixture smooths out again.) Chill if not using right away.
Assemble the tarts:
Just before serving, carefully remove the shells from the pans by placing a tart pan on a small, inverted bowl and gently easing away the sides. Use the tip of a sharp knife to gently pry the tart shell away from the bottom of the pan.
Place the tart shells on their serving plates. Divide the cream among the shells. Spoon the cherries over the cream, drizzling with their syrup. Serve right away.
diary of a tomato says
Looks divine!
Alanna says
Thanks!
Erika says
Call me crazy but I actually like when the cherries have that sour taste. These tarts look heavenly!
Alanna says
Hell yeah! Thanks, Erika. :)
Emma Galloway says
Oh yum! You now have me craving cherries :-) Beautiful recipe.
Alanna says
Aw, thank you, Emma. :)
Madeline Taylor says
Wow...these are gorgeous! I love that "cher of bowlies" photo and the luminous cherry fizz with the glass straw. What could go wrong with chocolate, cherries and cheese??? And port, vanilla, almonds...oh, yum!
Alanna says
Haha, thanks, Mom!!!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
While you ponder at what part of the tart you prefer, I´ll start eating that cherry sauce with a spoon! Maybe if you shared it with the employees at rainbow they would save you the best peaches..ja
Alanna says
Ha! Brilliant idea, Paula - I'm sure you're right! Especially the cute produce guy who always flirts with me. ;)
Shelly says
These are SO gorgeous!! I love the deep red with the chocolate crust - too perfect.
Also, I have a similar co-op that I shop at where all the employees are super grouchy - I think it must be part of the culture. :]
Alanna says
Thanks so much for the inspiration, Shelly! I love these tarts.
I've definitely been that grouchy person in my previous customer service jobs... maybe my problem was not working at a co-op? In any case, I'm glad to know I'm not the only sicko who enjoys that sort of sadism. :)
Anonymous says
this looks great. i'm a sour/pie cherry person myself - how do you think they would work in here? I'm thinking those cherries and sauce would be great of a bit of frozen yogurt. oh and then bake just the crust and crumble some up to sprinkle over the top. yes?
Alanna says
Thanks! I think sour/pie cherries could be great here; my only concern is that the port might overwhelm their flavor, and you would probably want to increase the sugar. Love the idea of serving them over frozen yogurt, and using the crust as a crumble. You can probably just spread the unbaked, crumbly dough on a baking sheet, and bake it until it's done. Let me know how it goes!
carey says
Omg, how gorgeous are these?? (And goat cheese whipped cream! Whoa.) Over shmover, I am all for keeping the cherry season alive. (I totally bought some yesterday.) I fell in love with those tarts of Shelly's, and I adore this take on it. I can imagine how good the syrupy cherries are against the goat cheese whipped cream all piled up on that chocolatey shell. YUM.
And ha! I am totally drawn to those "tough love" employees too. It kind of reminds me of this article I read on the psychology of waiting tables years ago. It basically said that the servers who were overly friendly and made the customers feel like s/he was there to do everything in his/her power to make them happy made less in tips than the servers who were aloof and didn't bother with jokes or small talk, and essentially sort of made the customers feel like they needed to work to gain the server's respect. Mind games! Crazy stuff.
carey says
Duh, I totally forgot to mention how hard I'm swooning over those crazy beautiful leftover syrup sodas too! I will certainly take mine with some rye. ;)
Alanna says
Hm, that totally explains why I did so poorly as a waitress during college. That or I was just naturally bad at waiting tables, which, I fear, is the real case. Thank you so much for your sweet comment!! I've been trying to find the words to express my excitement over your Smoky Cardamom-Coconut Cuba Libres - they have rendered me completely speechless! :)
Nicola Galloway says
These look stunning, I wish it was cherry season here now so I could make these. How I love cherries
Alanna says
Thank you, Nicola!
Sarah says
Now I know what to do with the overflowing bin of cherries at the produce market! :)
Alanna says
Yay!!
Jessica says
This looks amazing- wondering what your thoughts are on using frozen cherries- gasp! I just think I am possibly too far past season to get fresh now... and I really want to make them for a party this weekend!
Alanna says
I bet they would work beautifully - I say go for it! :)