Fresh Cherries With Semolina Toast And Rhododendron Honey Recipes

SLICED PEACHES ON SEMOLINA CROSTINI WITH RHODODENDRON HONEY

Steps:

• Split each peach in half and remove the stone. Discard the stone and slice each peach half into 3 wedges. Place in a medium mixing bowl and set aside.
• Combine the nectar, rhododendron honey, vanilla, and 2 branches of lemon verbena in a medium saucepot. Bring to a simmer over a medium heat and reduce by half. Season with lemon juice and, if necessary, a pinch of salt.
• While the sauce is reducing, lightly brush each slice of semolina bread with some extra virgin olive oil. Toast under a hot broiler until lightly browned. Set the slices on a warm plate and cover with a dry towel to keep warm.
• Strain the nectar and honey mixture over the peaches and gently toss the peaches until well coated.
• Place a toasted slice of semolina bread in the center of each of 4 warmed plates. Divide the peaches equally onto each slice of toast using a slotted spoon. This will allow some syrup to remain in the bowl. Drizzle the remaining syrup over each plate and garnish with the remaining branches of lemon verbena.

SWEET CHERRIES IN HONEY-VANILLA SYRUP

Steps:

• Combine honey, sugar, and water in a large pot or Dutch oven. Stir over low heat until sugar and honey have dissolved. Add cherries and vanilla bean.
• Cook over medium-low heat until cherries are warmed through.
• Remove vanilla bean. Ladle hot cherries into jars and cover with syrup, leaving ½ inch headspace.
• Remove air bubbles. Wipe jar rims with a damp paper towel.
• Top with two-piece lids and rings, and process in a water bath for 10 minutes.