You may have heard the buzz about exotic fruits from far-flung locales, but health and nutrition experts say to look no further than fruits grown on American soil for vitality and wellness benefits. Tart cherries, available in the U.S. year-round as dried, frozen and juice, are in fact "America's Superfruit," a homegrown and colorful way to reap the health-promoting properties of antioxidants.
A growing body of science links cherries' red color, provided by the fruit's powerful antioxidants - called anthocyanins - to heart-health benefits related to reduced inflammation, total cholesterol and belly fat. With more than 80 million Americans living with some form of heart disease, the heart-healthy qualities of eating red have more relevance than ever. Even more good news: research also suggests the red compounds in cherries may help ease the pain of arthritis and gout.

And because cherries are such a versatile fruit that can be sourced in the U.S. year-round, it's easy to enjoy cherries in a wide range of sweet and savory dishes.
According to Dr. Wendy Bazilian, author of "The SuperFoods Rx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrients" and registered dietitian, "We already know cherries are an all-American favorite for their delicious sweet-tart taste and rich red color. So, it's wonderful news that science is giving us more healthy reasons to enjoy this 'Superfruit.'"
Cherries - An Easy Way to Eat Red Every Day
Dr. Bazilian shares her tips for easy and tasty ways to enjoy cherries every day. For more recipes and information on the health benefits of cherries, visit www.choosecherries.com.
Recharge With Red - Give yourself an antioxidant boost by adding dried cherries to your favorite better-for-you cookie or snack bar recipe for an anytime pick-me-up.
Super Fruit Shake Up - Combine frozen cherries with low fat yogurt and other fruits, including blueberries and raspberries, for a simple but delicious smoothie that delivers an antioxidant powerhouse of flavor.
Crunch It With Cherries - Before heading out to the gym, grab a single-serve bottle of 100 percent cherry juice. Research suggests cherry juice may help reduce exercise-related joint pain.

Power Cherry Trail Mix Cookie

Yield 2 dozen
 1  cup yogurt butter, such as
   Brummel & Brown
 1  cup brown sugar
                                    1/3  cup granulated sugar                                 
 1/3  cup honey
 2  teaspoons vanilla extract
 2  eggs, slightly beaten
 1  cup wheat flour
 3/4  cup all purpose flour
 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
 1  teaspoon baking soda
 1 1/2  cups oats
 1/4  cup flax seed
 1/2  cup dark chocolate chips
 3/4  cup toasted almonds
 1 1/2  cups dried tart cherries

Cream butter and sugars in a small mixing bowl. Drizzle in honey and vanilla, mix well; add eggs. Set aside.
Sift flours, powder and soda in another medium size bowl. Add egg mixture to flour mixture. Stir in oats, flax seed, chocolate, almonds and cherries.
Spray muffin pan wells with non-stick spray. Place one heaping tablespoon of batter into each well. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Cherry Good Oatmeal
Makes 4 (1/2-cup) servings 

              

 2  cups lowfat milk
 1/4  teaspoon salt
 1  cup old-fashioned rolled oats
 2/3  cup mixed dried berries and cherries
   (red tart cherries, blueberries and
   strawberries)
 1/8  teaspoon ground cinnamon
 2  teaspoons packed brown sugar
 1/2  cup lowfat milk
 4  teaspoons chopped toasted pecans or
   walnuts (optional)*

Bring 2 cups milk and the salt to boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in dried oats; then stir in dried berries, cherries and cinnamon.
Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
To serve, spoon oatmeal into bowls. Pour 2 tablespoons milk over each serving. Sprinkle with brown sugar and, if desired, nuts.
*To toast nuts: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread nuts in a single layer in a baking pan. Bake about 8 minutes or until lightly toasted. Cool nuts before chopping.

Super Fruit Cobbler

Makes 6 servings
 2  cups frozen pitted tart cherries,
   thawed
 1  (12-ounce) bag frozen mixed
   berries, thawed
 3/4  cup brown sugar, divided
 3  tablespoons cornstarch
 1/2  teaspoon cinnamon
 1/4  teaspoon ground nutmeg
 1  cup reduced fat buttermilk baking
   mix
 1/4  cup reduced fat sour cream
 3  tablespoons low fat milk

Heat oven to 375°F. Combine cherries, mixed berries, 1/2 cup brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg; mix well. Spoon mixture into an 8- or 9-inch baking dish.
Combine baking mix, remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar, sour cream and milk; mix well to form a stiff batter. Drop batter over cherry mixture, forming 6 mounds.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until bubbly and cobbler topping is golden brown. Let stand 20 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tip: To save on cleanup time, thaw and mix the berries in a baking dish.

Article and photos courtesy of Family Features and  www.choosecherries.com.

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