Sweet Red Cherry and Cornmeal Dumpling Grunt

The Sweet Red Cherry Grunt is a delightful dessert that takes advantage of the convenience and flavor of frozen cherries. Using frozen cherries in this recipe is incredibly easy, and you can even freeze them yourself. There’s no need to pit the cherries beforehand; simply freeze them whole and thaw whenever you’re ready to use them. This method not only saves time but also allows you to enjoy the delicious taste of cherries long after their peak season has passed. The frozen cherries provide a rich, juicy base for the dish, perfectly complemented by the tender cornmeal dumplings, making this grunt a wonderful treat any time of the year.

Ingredients:

1 lb. frozen Joyfully Grown sweet red cherries
½ cup plus 4 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornmeal
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Prepare the Cherries:
- In a large saucepan, combine the frozen sweet red cherries, ½ cup granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juices, and the mixture begins to simmer (about 5-7 minutes).
Make the Dumpling Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and remaining 4 tablespoons of sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Assemble and Cook the Grunt:
- Reduce the heat to low and spoon the dumpling batter over the simmering cherry mixture in the saucepan.
- Cover the saucepan with a lid or a piece of aluminum foil and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the dumplings are firm and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep the steam inside.
Serve:
- Serve the Sweet Red Cherry and Cornmeal Dumpling Grunt warm, topped with a scoop of your favorite ice cream.