Dairy farmers Amber and Joe McComish were looking for a value-added product to complement their dairy farm.
The McComishes leaned into their Irish heritage and put faith in their dreams to develop Lucky Cow Gelato, selling gelato to local restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores. Soon thereafter, the couple opened Lucky Cow Coffee and Gelato in downtown Darlington.
Learn more about Amber’s journey into starting her own business.
Lucky Cow White Chocolate Cherry Bars
Ingredients
Batter
- 1 c. two sticks butter softened
- 2 c. granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 c. all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla
- 3/4 c. white chocolate chips divided
Filling
- 1 20- oz. can cherry pie filling
Glaze
- 1/2 c. white chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan and set it aside.
- In a mixer, cream butter and sugar together at medium speed. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until just incorporated (do not over beat the eggs). Beat flour and salt at low speed until just incorporated. Mix in vanilla and 1/2 c. chocolate chips until combined.
- Spread 3 c. batter in greased baking pan. Then, spread pie filling on top of the dough. Drop remaining dough by tablespoonfuls on top of cherry pie topping, spreading gently to cover filling as much as possible. Distribute the remaining 1/4 c. white chocolate chips.
- Bake 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack and slice.
- Make the glaze: Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave bowl and microwave at 50% power for about 11/2 to 2 minutes or until chocolate is melted, pausing and stirring well every 30 seconds. Drizzle over bars using a fork. Bars can be served plain at room temperature, or warm with vanilla ice cream (my favorite). Enjoy!
Nutrition
About Wisconsin Cherries
Door County has been the state’s cherry capital since 1896. Cherries, classified as stone fruits due to their small pit, can be savored raw or cooked, showcasing their versatility. These vibrant fruits are categorized into sweet and tart varieties.
The most familiar among the sweet cherries is the Bing cherry, a luscious delight with a succulent taste. However, Door County is most widely known for its tart cherry varieties.
Cherry Growing Season
As summer blooms, cherries become the crown jewel of Wisconsin, ripening in mid-July to August. Cherries require deep, well-drained, gravelly to sandy loam soils. Pollination, a vital step in the process, relies on honey bees, ensuring the bountiful harvest that follows.
Remarkably, it takes approximately six years for a cherry orchard to yield its first significant crop.
Post-harvest, cherries undergo hydrocooling, a meticulous process involving chilling with water, before being sorted based on size and color and packed in shallow flats.
Fresh cherries last only a few days at room temperature and around two weeks when refrigerated. Store cherries in the coldest part of the refrigerator, unwashed and in a sealed container to extend their freshness.
Health Benefits of Cherries
Beyond their delightful taste, cherries a source of anthocyanin, an antioxidant responsible for their vibrant red hue. This compound not only enhances the fruit’s appeal but also contributes to health benefits such as fighting inflammation and promoting heart and brain health.
Tart cherries are also a natural source of melatonin, offering potential sleep aid. The health benefits extend further, with cherries recognized for their antioxidant properties, combating cancer and heart disease, and providing relief from arthritis and gout.
In every bite, Door County’s cherries narrate a story of tradition, resilience, and the delightful flavors that make cherry orchards a staple in Wisconsin agriculture.