Cherry Pie, Carrot Cake, Strawberry Napoleon, Banana Cake...

Yes, I can go on and on.... Food is integral in my life and I deal with it day and night...almost 24/7! It's interesting how my parents "decided" my future when they named me Cherry. Although I never wanted to be in the food industry until I came to the USA.

Cherry Picking! @ Cherry Valley, CA.
I made cherry pies with the cherries picked. H. said, "Cherry went cherry picking at Cherry Valley and she was picky about the cherries she picked..."
Recipe for a basic cherry pie filling...
Ingredients:
2 pounds sour cherries, pitted
1 cup sugar
3 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Directions
In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar and cornstarch. Let sit for about 10 minutes. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until the juices thicken and become translucent. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and almond extract. Mix thoroughly.

:::Nutrition Tibit::: Cherries are a treasure trove of benefits!
These summer jewels can help quell pain and inflammation. Recent research indicates that including them regularly in your diet can help you as it contains lots of antioxidants. Counteracting free radical damage from inflammation translates into more energy and less of the oxidative stress that may contribute to aging and disease. These ruby-red orbs help relieve the pain of arthritis, gout, and post exercise muscle soreness, but the benefits don't stop. Recent animal studies have shown that tart cherries also offer the beneficial effect of lowering insulin and fasting glucose levels, key precursors in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Today Chef K made Strawberry Napoleon..looks yummy right! :D
Layers of phyllo sheets between custard, fresh cream and strawberries...

We tried something new and fun at BMC today- selling freshly baked breads!
Homemade banana bread, apple bread and cranberry oat bar!!!

They were all sold out during lunch and we had to disappoint some customers.

Next time we'll have cobblers, as requested by doctors.
Special Congratulatory cake order for the Medical Records department at LLUMC...

Freshly baked carrot cake covered with whipped cream cheese. Edible flowers and leaves are made with cream cheese too.

I am so thankful to God for so many things- including Chef K! She has made a difference in the Nutritional Services department at LLUBMC with her innovative spirit and cooperative teamwork. May God continue to bless each of us in a special way everyday! :)