However you celebrate Easter, I wish you the happiest and sweetest day as you gather with loved ones and rejoice in the resurrection of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Love from our family to yours,
Sherri Cherry
We just added the most delicious Smoked Spiral Sliced Ham to our online shop and we couldn't resist putting our own little Cherry spin on it. Don't get us wrong, a moist and tender ham that's been hand-trimmed and coated in spices before being hickory-smoked for at least 16 hours is already pretty special and festive. It doesn't need any embellishment at all. But if you're just a little extra (like we are), you might also enjoy throwing together this quick Cherry Glaze to drizzle over the top.
Holiday Ham with Cherry Glaze
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Jalapeno Gold Deviled Eggs
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Crisp Topping:
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The calendar says summer officially began a few weeks ago. The thermometer says it's been summer for MUCH longer...at least here in Waco, Texas. Yet as we round the corner on 4th of July weekend (already? seriously???) it feels like our summer rhythm is just beginning to hit its stride. The last couple weeks have been full of extra-special time with our kids and grandkids celebrating Father's Day around the dining table, belated birthdays at the waterpark, and everyday moments of fun, joy, and connection.
We've been trying out some creative ways to beat the heat lately and, of course, we're enjoying plenty of delicious treats. To combine the two, we've been topping slices of warm coffee cake with scoops of creamy ice cream. Friends have been raving about this particular combination for years and I honestly can't believe we waited so long to try it! (We think homemade vanilla is hard to beat, but Creamy Creations Homemade Vanilla from HEB is a close second.)
Whether you're finishing up plans for a 4th of July barbecue, looking forward to a family gathering, or just heading out for a weekday picnic in the park, we'd love to be part of your celebration. Our famous Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake is an easy way to make any moment feel extra special. Feel free to top it with ice cream, too!
Here are a few more simple pleasures that have been making our summer days extra sweet.
a great book: I'm not a big reader, but occasionally I get sucked in by a good story, like Where the Crawdads Sing. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down!
a cheery water bottle: I struggle to drink enough water, but my Owala Freesip water bottle makes it a lot more fun. And how could I resist an actual "Cherry on Top" color scheme?
cute, comfy, supportive sandals: I've been wearing OluKai ‘Ohana flip flops for years because they're easy to slide on, hold up, and provide good arch support. They also have amazing customer service (which you know matters to me)!
a cute, packable sunhat: I love reaching for a hat on hot summer days! I picked up this Wallaroo straw sunhat on our trip to Maine last fall and it continues to hold it's shape, no matter what kind of abuse I throw at it.
game nights with my grandkids: We love the connection and laughter that happens during a family game night. Our long-time favorite is Chinese Checkers on a very old wooden board that belonged to Benny's grandmother. Cat Chaos and Exploding Kittens are more recent additions to the rotation.
How are you savoring these sweet summer moments? Any favorites (new or old) that are leading to connection, fun, and joy? I'd love to hear about them!
Much Love,
-Sherri Cherry
P.S. We shared our family's favorite homemade ice cream recipe on the blog today. Click on over if you want to give it a try!
Directions:
*While our favorite homemade ice cream flavor is plain vanilla, we also love to mix things up by adding fresh mashed strawberries, mashed banana, or mashed peaches before freezing for a fruity treat.
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If you've been around for any amount of time, chances are you already consider Sherri Cherry a good friend. You've chatted with her on the phone and over email. You've been on the receiving end of her contagious smile when picking up a cake, or her gracious customer service when something unexpected has occurred or you need a last-minute gift. She's learned your name and listened to your stories...and probably traded you a few of her own. You're a huge part of why she does all—your joy, your sweet moments, your celebrations—are half the reason Cherry on Top exists.
My brother, Hunter, and I are the other half. You may or may not know that mom started Cherry on Top in her "spare time" while working fulltime as a speech therapist. Mom always had one side hustle or another going, especially leading into the holidays, because she wanted to make each Christmas even more magical than the last. When we were in junior high and high school, mom discovered an amazing cinnamon walnut coffee cake and Cherry on Top was born. The name came later, as did her original shop in Weslaco, then the space in Waco, and finally the website we like to call our online sweet retreat. It all started with one exceptionally delicious cake and a dream—one that grew over time.
I'd be willing to bet you have at least one woman like that in your life. One who opens her heart wide to those who cross her path—who gathers people in with a sprinkle of southern hospitality and a generous dash of charm. One who keeps chasing her dreams as they grow bigger and wilder—not out of selfish ambition but because of her deep love. One who goes the extra mile to make each special day even more magical—because that's just what a mother does, and she wouldn't have it any other way.
Whoever she is, I hope you're celebrating her today. She deserves all the sweetness life can offer.
Much Love,
Brooke
P.S. If this post reminds you of someone in particular, I hope you'll let her know. You might even share the link with a note about how she makes your world even more wonderful.
With Mother's Day around the corner, I've been thinking about all the special women in my life who do—or have done—the good, hard, brave, messy, gloriously beautiful work of mothering.
Some of them have mothered me...not just my own wonderful mom, but also my grandmothers and aunts, Sunday school teachers and special neighbors, mentors and role models. Others mother my grandbabies, my nieces and nephews, the children both big and small down the street...across town...around the world.
Some of them have mothered for years, while others are just beginning their long journey of love and care. Some have become mothers through childbirth, some through adoption or foster care, and others by simply offering their mothering heart each and every time the opportunity comes their way.
All of them give, and serve, and nurture, and protect tirelessly from the deepest part of their heart and with every fiber of their being...and not one of them gets as much credit or appreciation as she deserves. And I can't think of a single one who wouldn't love a thoughtful note and a sweet treat!
This Mother's Day, we'd love to help you send love to a mother in your life, whatever shape her mothering may take. We'll even tuck in some extra special touches to her package along with your own, personal note (at no extra charge, of course).
"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."
—Proverbs 31:25
We hope you're spending this precious day surrounded by loved ones enjoying a sweet treat together.
From our family to yours, we wish you great joy and abundant blessings.
Much love,
Sherri Cherry
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..."
—1 Peter 1:3
Thank You - Show your appreciation for a special favor, a job well done, or a kind action.
Congratulations - Celebrate a wedding, anniversary, graduation, new home, or new baby with something delicious.
Sympathy - A simple comfort like our cake, along with a heartfelt note can be a meaningful way to show love in times of grief or loss.
Staycation - Start the morning with a slice of cake and transform a quiet day at home into a decadent, refreshing retreat.
Get Well Soon - One bite of our delicious cinnamon walnut coffee cake is sure to ease any aches or pains.
Hosting Gifts - Anyone who turns up on the doorstep with one of our cakes is sure to be welcomed back again and again.
Entertaining - Our cake is perfect to serve for breakfast, brunch, or in the afternoon with tea or coffee (it also makes a delicious midnight snack).
Thinking of You - Let someone know how special they are for no reason at all other than that they are loved.
Treat Yourself - Want to order an entire cake and keep it all to yourself? We'll never tell!
Just in Case - Our cakes keep in the freezer for up to a year, so it's always a good idea to have one (or two or three) on hand for whatever occasion life brings your way.
"In him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it."
—John 1:4
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
—James 1:17
As the seasons ripen from summer to fall there's almost a promise in the air...a freshness, a reminder that hope is very present and that a clean slate is just around the corner.
This is always my favorite time of year, the coolness in the air each morning, the holidays drawing near….first Halloween, then Thanksgiving and Christmas. (It’s no wonder, really, that I built Cherry on Top around the joyful rhythms of this season.)
This is a time that invites us to fall into comfort, too. The glow of the fireplace, hot cocoa, soft warm clothes, and the near-magical aromas of cinnamon, vanilla, and butter that go into creating my very favorite Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake.
Fall comes late and slowly to the heart of Texas, so this year we decided to go out and meet her with a trip to New England. Benny and I celebrated our fiftieth wedding anniversary surrounded by crisp, cool air and fiery fall leaves. We returned this week feeling refreshed, excited, and ready to get busy. I’m preparing to ship our wonderful coffee cakes and other fabulous goodies to make your holidays bright and Benny is preparing to ship citrus as he has for the last 40+ years.
I pray you are also finding inspiration in the changing seasons and the whispers of fresh fall hope around you. Merry days are coming soon! Let’s get ready to welcome them.
Much Love,
Sherri Cherry
P.S. I also came home from our New England adventure with so much fresh inspiration for new treats and treasures to share with you! More details about them coming soon. For now, I’ll leave you with two words...apple crisp.
Whether you call her our kids consultant, animal advisor, or menagerie manager, our newest Little Team Member is certainly our most energetic and enthusiastic taste-tester and snuggle-selector.
I'm so happy for you to meet my granddaughter, Addie Grace, who has hand-picked three of the softest, cuddliest, cutest, and sweetest stuffed animals to delight the little ones in your life. Addie can't choose a favorite between Goldie the Retriever, Domino the Kitten, and Hunter the Fox! Can you?
Our Little Chocolate Chip Cookies and Sweet Cherry Gummies make the perfect pairing with a new furry friend. They're ready for you to order now and will ship in time for Valentine's Day, but Addie would like to remind you that, just like her favorite Coffee Cake, they're perfect for any occasion.
Food is one of our favorite ways to share love and appreciation. So in honor of Valentine's Day we've stocked our shop with all your favorite goodies, plus a few new surprises to share with your loved ones!
For the little ones in your life (or the young at heart), we've hand-picked the most precious plush, cuddly animal friends: Goldie the Retriever, Hunter the Fox, and Domino the Kitten. Each one can be paired with our famous Chocolate Chip Cookies and sweet Gummy Rings for a treat that is certain to bring absolute joy!
If chocolate is the way to your beloved's heart we have just the prescription...our Double Chocolate Walnut Cake is divine. And, of course, we can't forget to mention our Old Fashioned Handmade Fudge...rich, creamy and decadent.
Our Valentine's treats are ready to ship now. Let us help you send a little love!
We LOVE that you're part of our Cherry On Top family. May your day be sprinkled with laughter, love, and a Cherry on Top!
]]>We love what we do because we are part of the connection between you and the ones you cherish. That is such a gift. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of that!
Many years ago I made my first trip to Kerens, Texas to meet my boyfriend's family. We had met at Baylor and I had quickly fallen in love with this handsome and sweet country boy. When we arrived, his mother had this cake sitting—still warm—on the counter. The smell filled their home and she offered me a big piece, not even knowing that I loved sweets. I fell in love with it and every time I returned for a visit, she had it waiting for me. Mom Cherry became my mother in law (thank goodness!) and she continued to surprise me with this delicious cake.
Every time I bake it, I am taken back to those sweet, sweet days. I sincerely hope it will become a family favorite and spark some sweet memories for your family also.
]]>Many years ago I made my first trip to Kerens, Texas to meet my boyfriend's family. We had met at Baylor and I had quickly fallen in love with this handsome and sweet country boy. When we arrived, his mother had this cake sitting—still warm—on the counter. The smell filled their home and she offered me a big piece, not even knowing that I loved sweets. I fell in love with it and every time I returned for a visit, she had it waiting for me. Mom Cherry became my mother in law (thank goodness!) and she continued to surprise me with this delicious cake. Every time I bake it, I am taken back to those sweet, sweet days. I sincerely hope it will become a family favorite and spark some sweet memories for your family also.
Mom Cherry's Oatmeal Cake
1 1/4 Cups Boiling Water1 tsp. Vanilla
Remove Cake from the oven. Change oven setting to broil and slowly pour the hot mixture over the Oatmeal Cake. Place under broiler until topping is lightly brown. Remove from oven and Enjoy!
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Next we were thrilled to host KXXV News Channel 25 and Elisa Navarro in our very own kitchen! Watch the KXXV story here.
Most recently we spent a morning with the sweet ladies from Fox44 News Living Local Central Texas. Watch this fun shoot we had with Amanda and Nohely!
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I have spent most of my life on the Mexico Border in the Rio Grande Valley so Mexican food has always been a big part of my life. A big pot of beans on the stove, tacos, tamales, chalupas, breakfast tacos, and big pans of cheese enchiladas...these were a regular part of our lives and still are. Thanks to Mama, Imelda, Diana, the Garza's, and Arturos who taught me what a really good enchilada should be!
SAUCE:
3 cups Texas Chili ( Cherry on Top's Texas Chili packet)
15 oz can Tomato Sauce
15 oz can Red Enchilada Sauce
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder or several garlic pods
4 cups Grated Cheese ( American, Colby, or Monterrey Jack) or more
36 corn tortillas
Canola or Corn oil
Simmer first 5 ingredients until all flavors are blended ( 20-30 minutes)
Heat tortillas in hot oil in a small skillet until soft.(not long)
Roll cheese inside of the warm tortilla and place in an oblong pan or pans. Top with Enchilada Sauce and cheese. Place in a preheated 350 degree oven until hot, bubbly and cheese is melted.
Hints:
This recipe will make about 36 enchiladas. I usually use half of the sauce and freeze half of the sauce for another meal. You can also cut this recipe in half.
I think our leftover Texas Chili makes the best enchiladas but I have also used Wolf Brand Chili when I'm in a hurry and don't have time to wait on the chili!
I like them creamy and saucy so I use lots of cheese and lots of sauce. Top with salsa, jalapenos and onions if you are so inclined or if you want to feel like they are healthy put shredded lettuce and finely chopped tomato on the side!!
We always had several sleeves of saltine crackers for scooping up the extra cheese and sauce.
]]>Especially in the South, food says love in a special way. My grandmother, mom and aunts were all amazing cooks who enjoyed sharing their gift with others. It sparked something in me that continues to this day. I love sharing a special treat with someone, waiting to see their eyes light up, knowing how special they will feel.
Food was - and is - our family’s way of sharing love and thank you’s. I love Cherry on Top because it allows that tradition to continue in our busy lives today. Few of us have time to bake for others, but that special connection to food and fellowship is still there.
A few years ago, I ran across a special cake (Granny’s Coffee Cake) and shared it with a few loved ones, who immediately wanted to be able to share it with others. And so Cherry on Top began. Since then, I’ve searched for all of the best goodies to share with friends and family. And now I’d like to share them with you. I think you’ll love them as much as we do.
Thank you for stopping by!
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