September 24th is National Cherries Jubilee Day, a delightful celebration dedicated to a delicious dessert. Cherries Jubilee, known for its simple yet elegant appeal, captivates the hearts of cherry enthusiasts who joyfully indulge in this sweet holiday. Join in the celebration of #CherriesJubileeDay and savor the delectable flavors!

History of Cherries Jubilee

• Origins: Cherries Jubilee was created by the famous French chef Auguste Escoffier in the late 19th century. It was first served at one of the Jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria, hence the name "Jubilee."
• Popularity: The dessert became popular in the United States in the early 20th century and has remained a favorite for its elegant presentation and delightful taste.

Significance of National Cherries Jubilee Day

• Celebration of a Classic Dessert: The day honors the creation and enjoyment of Cherries Jubilee, celebrating its place in culinary history.
• Culinary Tradition: It highlights the tradition of flambéed desserts, showcasing the skill and artistry involved in their preparation.
• Indulgence and Enjoyment: National Cherries Jubilee Day encourages people to indulge in this decadent dessert and share it with friends and family.

How to Celebrate National Cherries Jubilee Day

1. Making Cherries Jubilee at Home:

   • Classic Recipe: Prepare the traditional Cherries Jubilee at home. The classic recipe involves cooking pitted cherries with sugar and kirsch (a cherry brandy) or another liqueur, then flambéing the mixture and serving it over vanilla ice cream.
   • Recipe Variations: Experiment with different variations of the recipe. Try using different types of cherries, adding other fruits like berries, or incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

2. Hosting a Dessert Party:

   • Dinner Party: Host a dinner party and serve Cherries Jubilee as the grand finale. Impress your guests with the flambé presentation.
   • Cooking Demonstration: Conduct a cooking demonstration to show your friends and family how to make Cherries Jubilee. This can be a fun and interactive way to celebrate.

3. Visiting Restaurants and Cafés:

   • Local Eateries: Visit local restaurants or cafés known for their desserts and see if they offer Cherries Jubilee on their menu. Enjoy a night out with this classic treat.
   • Special Menus: Some restaurants might have special menus or promotions for National Cherries Jubilee Day. Check local listings for any events or deals.

4. Learning and Sharing:

   • Cooking Classes: Take a cooking class focused on flambéed desserts or French cuisine to learn more about the techniques and history behind Cherries Jubilee.
   • Social Media: Share your Cherries Jubilee creations on social media using the hashtag #NationalCherriesJubileeDay. Post recipes, photos, and videos to inspire others to join in the celebration.

5. Supporting Local Farmers:

   • Buy Local: Support local farmers by purchasing fresh cherries from farmers' markets or local grocery stores. Using fresh, high-quality cherries can make a big difference in your dessert.
   • Pick-Your-Own: Visit a local orchard that offers pick-your-own cherries. This can be a fun activity for families and a great way to get the freshest cherries for your Jubilee.

Classic Cherries Jubilee Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh or frozen pitted cherries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup kirsch or cherry brandy
• Vanilla ice cream

Instructions:

1. Cook Cherries: In a large skillet, combine cherries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the cherries release their juices and the mixture starts to simmer.
2. Simmer: Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cherries are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-10 minutes.
3. Flambé: Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully add the kirsch or cherry brandy to the skillet. Using a long lighter or match, ignite the liqueur. Allow the flames to subside naturally as the alcohol burns off.
4. Serve: Spoon the warm cherries and sauce over bowls of vanilla ice cream and serve immediately.

Fun Facts about Cherries Jubilee

• Flambé Technique: The flambé technique, used in Cherries Jubilee, involves igniting alcohol to create flames. This not only adds a dramatic presentation but also enhances the flavor by burning off the alcohol and leaving a concentrated, rich taste.
• Queen Victoria: The dessert was named to honor Queen Victoria, who was known to have a fondness for cherries. It was first served during one of her Jubilee celebrations.
• Versatility: While traditionally made with cherries, the technique and concept of Cherries Jubilee can be adapted to other fruits such as peaches or berries.

Inspirational Quotes about Dessert

• “Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.” – Ernestine Ulmer
• “Dessert is like a feel-good song and the best ones make you dance.” – Chef Edward Lee
• “There is no better way to bring people together than with desserts.” – Gail Simmons

Conclusion

National Cherries Jubilee Day is a delightful celebration of a classic and elegant dessert that has stood the test of time. Whether you make it at home, enjoy it at a restaurant, or host a dessert party, this day is all about indulging in the rich flavors and dramatic presentation of Cherries Jubilee. Embrace the culinary tradition, share your creations, and enjoy the sweet, flambéed goodness of this iconic dish with friends and family. Celebrate the joy of desserts and the history behind Cherries Jubilee on this special day!