Cherry Chocolate-Chip Frozen Yogurt

Here in Ontario, we have been experiencing cooler than average summer temperatures and definitely our share of overcast skies. I wouldn't say this thrills me, but the pleasant side of this inclement weather is the prolonged cherry and strawberry season. These lovely fruits got off to a late start and are still around for another week or so, for which I am so grateful for.

A trip to a farmer's market this past Saturday, found me returning with a large basket of cherries. Besides eating them by the handful (quite frequently I might add) I planned to use the remainder of the batch in two recipes - the frozen yogurt you see here and another treat I'll share later next week.

Using my handy ice cream maker, I wanted to whip up a fresh frozen yogurt for my family using only the ingredients I had on hand. My youngest son, the fruit-detester, was not enthusiastic about this offering, by eldest son and his friend, lapped this up post-bbq dinner like they may never enjoy it again. I prefer serving the boys frozen yogurt over ice cream when I can, and this homemade version is one of my favourites to date.

Your children will have no trouble assisting on this culinary project. Anyone over age six will be able to combine the first few ingredients and those older children already comfortable using a stove-top will be able to manage the cherry reduction with ease. If you're looking for a fun project for all these cool days we've been faced with, looked no farther than here, and hopefully once you have a tub of this icy treat in your freezer the sky will be bluer and the air a little warmer.

**Congratulations to Lori, the cookbook winner - Pasta salad with lots of veggies from local market, cool drinks and frozen treats!!!!

Cherry Chocolate-Chip Frozen Yogurt, my recipe

3 cups plain yogurt (more than 2%)

2/3 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups chopped and pitted cherries

1/4 cup sugar

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 cup chocolate chips (preferably mini)

~ In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, 2/3 cups sugar and vanilla. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill thoroughly.

~ In a medium saucepan, set over medium-high heat, combine the cherries, 1/4 cup sugar and lemon juice and stir to combine.

~ Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and allow to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.

~ Remove the cherries from the stove and pour into a sieve, set over a bowl or glass measuring cup. Using the back of wooden spoon, press down on the cherries to release all of the juices from the pieces of fruit.

~ Add the juice to the chilled yogurt mixture and stir well. Toss in the cherry pieces and the chocolate chips and pour into your ice cream maker.

~ Make frozen yogurt as per your machine's manufacturers instructions.

~ Enjoy!