Quick Cherry Kuchen!

The first time I made Cherry Kuchen, I made it with sweet Bing cherries, the story follows!

My kitchen looked like a crime scene. Red splatters were everywhere... the freshly picked cherries bursting as the pitter plunged through to extract the pit. The juices puddled on the cutting board and stained my fingers. These cherries were at their perfect point of ripeness. Their flavor needed no companion or accent. It is why I kept it simple and made a cherry kuchen.

I then cleaned up the kitchen and went to the store. The cashier gave me a strange look. After I got home I realized why.  Those red splatters were all over my shirt and neck.....hahaha!  Remind me next time to wear one of my friend  Fawn's hand made aprons! And/or checking how I look in the mirror before heading out the door would be a good idea too. I’m so glad it wasn’t too busy at the local grocery. At least no one called the police!!

This time I made my favorite Kuchen recipe with pie cherries from my niece and nephews cherry tree. Pie cherries have a tart flavor and the juice is more translucent, never the less, I wore my apron!! My kuchen recipe is perfect with any fruit you have on hand, I have made with plums, raspberries, blueberries, peaches and my favorite huckleberries. As Wee Bear said, "It is perfect with a cup of coffee!"

William my nephew picked some delicious pie cherries! Talk about pie in the sky!! I see a lot of pies here!!

  Cherry Kuchen 

1 c. unsalted butter
1 c. sugar
4 large eggs 
1 tsp. grated lemon rind
1 3/4 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 lbs. fruit of your choice (I chose cherries, this time!!)

Prepare a deep tart pan, butter and flour. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Cream together the butter and sugar and add eggs one at a time. Mix in flour and baking powder, don't over mix! 

Add the lemon rind. At this point I gently mixed in the cherries....however, if you are using a large stone fruit, like a plum, I put 3/4 of the batter into the tart pan, place the fruit on top and cover with the remainder of the batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

 Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee!