If you’ve never splurged on fresh cherries, treat yourself this season. They’re so worth it – versatile and beautiful to look at in any dish or on their own. In fact, they’re on sale right now at many Lawrence grocery stores.

The most luscious way to eat cherries is fresh off the stem. Martha Stewart suggests serving them like shrimp cocktail – simply wash them and let them perch on a bowl of ice.

They’re awfully good for dessert with fancy shortbread cookies – cherries and anything almond flavored is a great combination. They’re marvelous on top of ice cream, too.

The easiest way to pit cherries is over the sink and with a cherry pitter, a gadget that holds the cherry in place so you can force the pit through and de-stem at the same time.

Just don’t wear your favorite white T-shirt.

You can also pop the cherry in your mouth and eat around the pit, spitting it out when you’re finished. This method is best when snacking alone.