not far from the tree

Note:  This post comes by way of Supreme Gleaner Lisa Pitman. It was originally posted June 21st, on her beautiful blog Vegan Cookbook Critic. She agreed to cross-post and share her first cherry pick with Not Far From The Tree and our readers. ENJOY!

After a busy Saturday full of food, friends and revelry, this Sunday I started to work through my summer to-do list (even though it was actually the last day of spring). I have started  visiting my regular rotation of farmer’s markets and finished my swimming lessons last week. Yesterday, I had the chance to lead my first local pick of the season with Not Far From The Tree (cherries have ripened three weeks earlier than usual). My team of amazing volunteers were up early and ready to climb to capture the amazing bounty of organic fruit.

We took turns on the ladders, the shed roof and climbing the tree itself to capture as many beautiful ripe bunches as possible. We were very lucky to have two young volunteers join us and collect any precious cherries that fell to the ground unexpectedly as the adults gleaned from above.

In about 90 minutes we picked 30 lbs of beautiful, organic cherries. We all wished for “go-go-gadget arms” to reach the fruit that was just out of reach. I found myself contorting around branches in hopes of grasping just one more cherry.

I carried 10 lbs of cherries to the Native Men’s Shelter and they were very excited to receive this special delivery.

With my haul I’ve already made a few different dishes including a super simple ice cream:

Super Simple Ice Cream:

In your food processor combine:

• 1 cup frozen banana
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries.

Note: To get a Black Forest flavour add 1 heaping Tablespoon of cacao powder.

Enjoy the local bounty while it lasts!

Super Gleaner

Lisa Pitman

Find more recipes and fun at www.vegancookbookcritic.blogspot.com