It's Cherry Time!

We owe a tremendous debt to Lucullus, the Roman general and gastronome who once told his cook that a solitary meal was very important -- "today Lucullus dines with Lucullus" -- the man introduced the cherry tree to Western Europe. The best way to enjoy them is (in my opinion) fresh from the tree, but one can only eat so many, and the season is all too short. Some ideas, some for now and some for later:

• Cherry syrup: Perfect for making Italian ices or flavoring a nice glass of chill water.
• Cigliegiolo: A tasty cherry liqueur to capture summer for the winter months.
• Brandied cherries: another way to save summer for the winter months.
• Cherry ice cream: Who could ask for more?
• Cherry (or Apricot) Strudel: A delight from Friuli Venezia Giulia.
• Cherry Jam: it adds a special something to breakfast.