Delicious Recipes Inspired by Local Flavors

Whip up a taste of Chelan County!

Chelan County is not only a destination for stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures but also a haven for food lovers. The region’s abundant orchards inspire a variety of delicious recipes that highlight fresh, local ingredients. Whether you’re planning a special meal or just looking for some culinary inspiration, these recipes will bring a taste of Chelan County to your kitchen. For best results, we recommend sourcing apples, pears, cherries, and peaches fresh from Chelan County farmers or farmers markets, or anywhere you can find them fresh and grown locally.

Classic Apple Pie

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup ice water
  • 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, tossing with a fork until dough holds together when pressed. Divide dough in half, shape into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Transfer dough to pie plate. Trim even with the edge.
  4. In a large bowl, combine apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss to coat.
  5. Pour apple mixture into crust and dot with butter.
  6. Roll out remaining dough and place over filling. Trim, seal, and flute edges. Cut slits in the top for steam to escape. Brush with egg wash.
  7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cover edges with foil if they begin to brown too quickly.
  8. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

 

Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and kale)
  • 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1/4 cup candied pecans
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

  1. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, pears, blue cheese, candied pecans, and red onion.
  2. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
  3. Serve immediately.

 

Cherry Clafoutis

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9-inch pie dish or cast-iron skillet.
  2. In a blender, combine milk, cream, eggs, sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
  3. Pour a thin layer of the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until set. This helps to form a base for the cherries.
  4. Remove from oven and arrange cherries over the set batter. Pour remaining batter over the cherries.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. The clafoutis should be set in the center.
  6. Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

 

Grilled Peach Salad

Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
  • 6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and kale)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Brush peach halves with a small amount of olive oil.
  3. Place peaches cut side down on the grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side until tender and grill marks appear.
  4. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, grilled peaches, feta cheese, almonds, and red onion.
  5. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
  6. Serve immediately.

 

These recipes offer a delightful way to experience the flavors of Chelan County in your own home. Whether it’s a classic apple pie, a refreshing pear salad, a sweet cherry clafoutis, or a grilled peach salad, each dish highlights the region’s fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy these culinary creations and bring a taste of Chelan County to your table.