National Cherries Jubilee Day – September 24, 2022, history significance why we celebrate
National Cherries Jubilee Day on September 24 celebrates a very unique dessert that deserves more love! Cherries jubilee is a dish that involves cherries and liqueur, usually a brandy or Kirschwasser. Originally, the cherries were simply poached in a sugary syrup and served with warm brandy, which was set on fire for a dramatic presentation as it was served to guests.
Modern recipes serve the cherries with ice cream, but the fire has remained a key part of this dish. Cherries jubilee was first served at one of the jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria and the popularity for the dessert skyrocketed during her reign. It was considered a highly fashionable dessert to offer one’s guests.
The dessert made a comeback in the 1950s and 1960s, and now this classic dessert has earned itself a new brand of retro prestige. For National Cherries Jubilee Day on September 24, we invite you to join us in indulging in this most dramatic of desserts.
History of National Cherries Jubilee Day
There is no proper mention of the founder and the year in which the National Cherries Jubilee Day celebration was first observed. But the Cherries Jubilee has a long history. Cherries Jubilee is a classic flambé dessert dish made with cherries and liqueur, typically Kirschwasser or brandy.
It will be subsequently flambéed and served as a sauce over the vanilla ice cream. The French chef Auguste Escoffier is credited with the invention of this dessert. Auguste Escoffier introduced it for the first time in one of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee celebrations.
It is, however, unclear if the dessert made its debut for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of 1887 or the Diamond Jubilee in 1897. It had quickly become one of the most stylish desserts of that era. As it was introduced during the jubilee celebration, hence the name Cherries Jubilee.
Cherries Jubilee was a big hit in the Atlantic, and for many years, cherries jubilee was included as a standard menu item at America’s finest restaurants, and which reached the peak of its popularity during the 1950s and 1960s. The original recipe of Auguste Escoffier didn’t include ice cream.
Instead, he had boiled the fresh cherries in a sweet sauce into which he poured the warm liqueur or fruit brandy over them. Then just before serving, the alcohol is set to a blue flame Later recipes had added the liqueur Kirschwasser and ice cream. Since Escoffier’s time, there have been many variations on the idea of flambéed fruit. The Bananas Foster is the most famous and Mangos Diablo (mangos flambéed in tequila), and Pêches Louis (peaches flamed in whiskey) are the other variations.
NATIONAL CHERRIES JUBILEE DAY ACTIVITIES
Order yourself some cherries jubilee
A number of restaurants have started to offer this classic dessert again, now that cherries jubilee has transitioned from a popular dish of the 1950s to a retro-fabulous dessert in modern times. Check around your local restaurants and find a place that serves cherries jubilee near you. On September 24, make a point to visit that restaurant and try out cherries jubilee for yourself. Even better, bring a friend and share the experience. Just don’t invite anyone with a fear of fire!
Make cherries jubilee at home
Recipes do vary, but you can find any number of easy recipes online to try out your first homemade cherries jubilee. Pick up some fresh cherries and pit them, or skip the prep work and snag a bag of frozen cherries. Simmer your cherries in some water, add sugar, and when the water thickens up into a syrupy sauce, you’re ready to stir in your liqueur and serve. Use an ice cream of your choice (vanilla is the classic option here), and don’t forget the fire! A stick lighter will protect your hands from flare-ups, and be sure to let the flames burn out before digging in.
Host your own jubilee
A jubilee is a fancy party, usually where everyone wears big hats. Jubilees are traditionally hosted to celebrate the 25th or 50th anniversary of something, like a queen’s reign, a business inception, or a wedding. But National Cherries Jubilee Day gives you all the excuse you need to throw your own jubilee. Send out some invitations, pick up some swanky classical tunes, and encourage your guests to show up in powdered wigs. And of course, be sure to serve cherries jubilee for dessert.
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How to Celebrate Cherries Jubilee the Day
Prepare Cherries Jubilee for yourself and your family or friends to celebrate the food feast more enjoyable. You can even try other varieties of this dessert that are different from the classic version to chill the summer. Post and share your National Cherries Jubilee Day celebration on social media using the hashtag #NationalCherriesJubileeDay or #CherriesJubileeDay.
