September 24, 2019 The Happiest Day of the Year!

Finally it is September 24!  My family has been eagerly counting down the days, excitedly opening our Attika calendar each morning.  We have decorated the house with a tree, tinsel, and (of course) a sign warning George Washington to stay away.  Tonight we will put out cognac and vanilla ice cream as we wait for Santina to visit.
I am sure that you have figured out that we are celebrating National Cherries Jubilee Day.  This well known holiday is celebrated every year on September 24.  Although I couldn't come across any official declaration from Congress or a Presidential decree talking about National Cherries Jubilee Day it is still an important day.  Actually I am quite pleased that this day is not soiled by politics.  Politics has really destroyed other days, such as National Chocolate and Boiled Peanut Cheesecake Day.  Don't wear a Ronald Reagan shirt to that one!
Before we get into a recipe for cherries jubilee, it would be pertinent to examine cherries.  There are 5 main types of cherries.  These types are Bing, Rainier, Queen Anne, Montmorency, and Morello.

Rainier cherries, sweet...mix it with goat cheese and pecans and hit the trail

Queen Anne cherries, look like a rainier but much more tart

Montmorency, a sour cherry often found in pastries like that cherry cheese danish

Morello, use is warranted when making the best cherry pies

Bing, a sweet cherry that makes a hot day bearable

While there are 5 main types of cherries, there are literally (not figuratively) almost a thousand different types of cherries.  Writing about each one would likely be a book instead of an almanac post.  Perhaps I will just wait for the movie.  With that we will move on to your ingredient list.

The recipe calls for dark sweet cherries so the first thought is to reach for those Bing cherries.  Other recipes call for sour cherries.  Personally I think you can't go wrong with any of the five main types of cherries.  Each of them will create a different taste that will undoubtedly please your palate.  Once you have your ingredients together you are ready to show off a bit.  Properly making and (especially) presenting Cherries Jubilee will impress your dinner guests!

The flambe...or flame...is often the most exciting part.  Don't burn down your house to impress your friends though.  They will be talking about your party for all the wrong reasons!  Here is a video of a much easier recipe.

And there you have it.  Celebrate National Cherries Jubilee Day in style!  Don't forget to invite your favorite Canadian/American Almanac writer over to enjoy your slightly burnt offering!