On August 28 we celebrate, National Cheery Turnover Day, a popular pastry for centuries, often enjoyed as a sweet, flaky treat with a burst of tart cherry flavour. A perfect day that reflects a delightful combination of simple ingredients and baking techniques that have made them a favourite in many cultures. A cherry turnover is a puff pastry that is stuffed with cherry filling and then baked until it turns golden brown.
Cherries have been a preferred and preferable food item for centuries and were even liked by Roman conquerors, Greeks, and Chinese noblemen. Domestic cherries became widespread throughout Europe and Britain during the 15th century. Since, then in the 1600s, English colonists brought cherries to North America by ship.
After that, it was the French colonists from Normandy who brought pits that they planted along the Saint Lawrence River.
Now, the U.S. produces more than 650 million pounds of tart and sweet cherries annually with a majority of it coming from Michigan.
National Cherry Turnover Day is the perfect excuse to dig into this scrumptious dessert and join in on the celebrations. Either bake one buy one or simply go out for one, but get yourself a Cherry Turnover on this day and use social media as well to spread the love.
| 72 B.C. (Cultivated Cherry is Brought to Rome) | Lucius Licinius Lucullus brings a cultivated cherry to Rome from northeastern Anatolia. |
| 1600s (Cherries in North America) | English colonists bring cherries to North America. |
| 1850s (Modern Day Cherry Production) | Peter Dougherty, a Presbyterian missionary, plants cherry trees at Old Mission Peninsula, paving the way for modern-day cherry production. |
| 1893 (Cherry Orchards) | The first commercial tart cherry orchards are planted in Michigan on Ridgewood Farm. |
The Cozy Apron
Cheery Turnover receip
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1-2 tablespoons ice water (as needed)
- For the Cherry Filling:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
How to prepare
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Beat the egg and add it to the mixture. Stir until combined.
- Add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the cherries are soft (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble the Turnovers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into squares or circles (about 4-6 inches across).
- Place a spoonful of cherry filling in the centre of each piece of dough.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal, and crimp with a fork if desired.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake:
- Bake the turnovers for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a touch of sweetness.
5 Facts About Cherries That You Must Know
-
Antioxidant levels- Likewise, as compared to lighter cherries, darker cherries have higher levels of antioxidants.
- Cherry production- A commercially grown cherry tree will produce 7000 cherries on average each year.
- Michigan cherries- In the U.S., over 75% of the cherries sold come from the state of Michigan.
- Species of cherries- There are broadly two types of cherries which are the sweet cherry or wild cherry and the sour cherry.
-
Frozen cherries- Frozen cherries tend to concentrate and improve their taste.
Source: Days Of The Year
FAQs
What is a cherry turnover?
A pastry made with flaky dough filled with sweet cherry filling.
How can I celebrate National Cherry Turnover Day?
Bake your cherry turnovers or buy them from a bakery, and share them with friends and family.
What main ingredients are in cherry turnovers?
The main ingredients of cherry turnovers are flour, butter, sugar, and cherries.
Can I make cherry turnovers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and freeze them before baking or bake them a day ahead.
Also, read more about National Cherry Tart Day- June 18, 2024
