cherries

The typical nightcap has just been given a (healthy) makeover. That's right, insomniacs, it's time to trade in your sleep-disrupting cocktail for a healthier sip — cherry juice! Not given enough credit in the fruit-juice world, studies show that a glass of cherry juice can significantly help you sleep better.

Cherries contain melatonin, a natural antioxidant that helps to regulate your sleep cycle. Participants in the study saved an average of 17 minutes of wake time after going to sleep when drinking cherry juice daily. Although this may not seem like much, between a busy schedule and late-night computer time, we'll take anything we can get. So, rather than counting sheep, sip up with a cherry on top. And if that doesn't do it, we have 25 tips that just might . . .

It won't be long before cherries start popping up at farmers markets everywhere. The taste alone of this sweet fruit is enough reason to snack on them, but the nutritional benefits provide an even better excuse. Cherries are a proven anti-inflammatory, and have also been shown to help lower cholesterol and reduce muscle pain. More than a simple snack, the antioxidant-rich fruit can easily be incorporated into every meal.

Breakfast: Cherry Coconut Risotto

Lunch/Dinner: Sandwich or Salad

Amp up the flavor profile of a savory dish by adding some of POPSUGAR Food's cherry compote recipe to the mix. We're especially fond of this turkey sandwich with watercress that uses the compote as a spread.

See the rest of the meal plan after the break!

Mario Batali has restaurants on both coasts, but during the Summer, the Italian-American chef is inspired by a unexpected locale: Michigan. Each Summer, chef Batali, his wife, and his kids pack up and head to their Michigan home, complete with a picturesque view of the lake and an outdoor wood-burning oven. Get ready to be envious: the chef shares photos of his whereabouts and family meals via Twitter.

What's the appeal for serious foodies who might not be familiar with Michigan? Mario claims he really loves that Michigan's food culture is "unique and unapologetic." In terms of ingredients, he says Michigan offers local fish and magnificent stone fruit that can obviously be shipped anywhere, but are best enjoyed "right out of the water, right out of the dirt, or right out of the tree." While at a Pure Michigan event, Mario Batali spoke to us about what he's craving this Summer and how to prepare it.

Since we're firing up the grill every day this Summer, I cannot get enough of woodsy, smoked flavors. When I worked at Greens Restaurant in San Francisco, the chef, Annie Somerville, introduced me to the unusual pairing of cherries with smoked blue cheese and almonds. Ripe, sweet cherries offset the bitterness of the greens, and the smoked blue cheese adds a creamy texture and sour punch to the salad. The almonds offer a roasted warmth and contrasting crunch to the otherwise soft ingredients.

My mother introduced me to pomegranate champagne vinegar (I use the O brand at home), and I love it for its distinct, fruity acidity. It's so flavorful, it can almost stand alone. Simply mix it with a little oil and salt, and the dressing is complete! The recipe takes five minutes, so what are you waiting for? Take a look at the cherry salad recipe.

Unlike the martini or daiquiri, the rickey is a lesser-known classic cocktail with origins that date back to the 1880s. A traditional rickey consists of spirit (bourbon or gin), half of a lime squeezed and dropped into the glass, and carbonated water. This modernization of the rickey adds a delightful seasonal element to the drink: cherries. Although you could make it with bourbon, I used gin because it's lighter and more refreshing. This concoction is fruity, tart, and absolutely wonderful. Gin lovers will enjoy the perfect balance of sweet cherries, sour limes, and botanical spirit. Want to give it a try? Get the recipe.