Sunset Foods's Cherry Week: Your Guide to the Season's Best

There’s nothing quite like the arrival of summer cherries. During Cherry Week at Sunset Foods, we celebrate this summer treat in every aisle. From extra large fresh Northwest Cherries in our produce section to special creations from our bakery and deli, we have everything you need to enjoy the season's most anticipated fruit. It's a taste of summer we look forward to all year.

Discovering Peak Flavor: Your Guide to Sunset Foods' Northwest Cherries

The centerpiece of our celebration is the Extra Large Northwest Cherries. We bring these in at their absolute peak, ensuring each one is firm, sweet, and full of classic cherry flavor. You can check out the guide to Peak Cherry Season, and learn about Sunset’s sourcing & our claim of having the largest cherries available. While they are perfect for baking and cooking, we believe the best way to enjoy them is often the simplest. Wash a bowlful, chill them slightly, and eat them by the handful for a healthy and satisfying summer snack. They also make a wonderful addition to other dishes. Try slicing them over a bowl of morning oatmeal, tossing them into summer salads for a burst of sweetness, or pitting them to create a quick, homemade compote to spoon over yogurt or ice cream.

Sweet Sensations: Cherry Delights from Our Sunset Bakery & Local Partners

Our bakery team is central to our Cherry Week festivities. Our signature Sunset Bakery items are proudly baked in-house by our expert bakers. Start your day with a treat like our Sunset Bakery Cherry Yogurt Danish or the delightful Door County Cherry Scones from our local partner, Hot Cakes Bakery, based in Northbrook, Illinois. They are the perfect accompaniment to a morning cup of coffee on the patio. For dessert, we offer several effortless options perfect for any backyard barbecue or family gathering. The Sunset Bakery Cherry Cobbler Cake is a summer favorite, as is the classic Grand Traverse Pie Co. Cherry Crumb Pie. Warm a slice of the cobbler cake or crumb pie in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

For those who love the combination of fruit and chocolate, our Sunset Bakery Cherry Pan Brownies offer a rich, decadent experience. The fudgy texture of the brownie contrasts beautifully with the bright cherry swirl, making it a wonderful afternoon pick-me-up. We offer them in an 8x8 pan with or without nuts, so you can choose the perfect one for your family.

Sunset Deli's Cherry BBQ Chicken and Summer Sides

When you want a delicious meal without the work, our Sunset Deli has you covered. Prepared fresh in-house daily in the Kitchens of Sunset, our offerings make summer dinners easy. A standout during Cherry Week is the Sunset Deli Grilled Cherry BBQ Chicken Breast. The natural sweetness and subtle tartness of cherries create a fantastic glaze for smoky, grilled chicken. For a perfect pairing, grab a bag of Great Lakes Michigan Cherry BBQ Chips for a unique, kettle-cooked crunch that complements the chicken perfectly.

Elevate Your Plate: Cherry Jams, Spreads, and Chips for Savory Pairings

Cherries have a wonderful savory side that can improve appetizers, snacks, and cheese boards. Explore our curated selection of cherry preserves. Both Stonewall Kitchen Sour Cherry Jam and Divina Sour Cherry Spread are the missing ingredients for your next charcuterie board. The tartness of these spreads cuts through the richness of creamy cheeses. At Sunset Foods, we carry over 50 types of Artisan cheeses that are cut fresh by our staff daily, and we can help you find the perfect match. Try pairing these cherry spreads with a soft brie, a tangy goat cheese, or a sharp white cheddar for a memorable flavor combination your guests will love. It's an easy way to add a special touch to any summer gathering.

Craft Your Cocktails: Tillen Farms Bada Bing Cherries & Refreshing Juices

Cherries are a classic ingredient for crafting exceptional summer beverages, both with and without spirits. For the home bartender, Tillen Farms Bada Bing Cherries are a must-have. Pitted and left with their stems on, they are the ideal garnish for an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan, adding a touch of authentic flavor and visual appeal. For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, Smart Juice Organic Tart Cherry Juice is a perfect choice. Sip it chilled over ice for a crisp, antioxidant-rich drink, or mix it with sparkling water and a squeeze of lime for a simple spritzer.

BeriCherry Bowl: Acai & Cherries

Stop by our BeriGood Acai counter inside Sunset Foods Highland Park, Northbrook, and Lake Forest for a nutrient-packed BeriCherry Bowl, a wonderful way to cool down after a workout.

Beyond the Season: Enjoy Cherries Year-Round with Frozen & Pantry Staples

While the fresh cherry season is brief, you can keep the flavor going all year with staples from our freezer and grocery aisles. Nature Blessed Frozen Cherries are an excellent pantry workhorse. They are perfect for blending into high-protein morning smoothies, baking into a homemade cobbler on a rainy day, or simmering down into a savory glaze for pork chops or roasted chicken. And of course, no celebration of cherries is complete without ice cream. We carry two of the very best: Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia and Graeter’s Black Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. Enjoy a scoop straight from the pint on a warm evening, or for a truly spectacular dessert, serve it à la mode over a warm slice of Grand Traverse Cherry Crumb Pie.

Stop by your local Sunset Foods location to stock up on fresh Northwest cherries and all of our in-house, chef-crafted cherry creations before they're gone!