Within the realm of confectionery delights, where sweetness waltzes with elegance, chocolate-covered cherries emerge as a symphony of indulgence. Cloaked in rich chocolate and nestled within tender sweetness, these morsels make the heart sing and the spirit soar. In each bite, the joyous interplay of flavors invites us to pause and savor life’s most beautiful moments.
Why make this recipe
Crafting chocolate-covered cherries is not merely an act of creating a dessert; it is an experience steeped in tradition and artistry. Each cherry, a vibrant jewel, is enveloped in a luscious, creamy shell that lovers of sweets have cherished through generations. The process calls forth the senses, elevating the mundane into the extraordinary, as we embark on a journey to conjure these beloved confections.
How to make Chocolate Covered Cherries
Gather your ingredients and prepare to delight in the alchemy of flavors. The rhythm of creation commences with a symphony of sweet and buttery aromas merging like dancers in a grand ballroom.
Ingredients:
- 10 ounces maraschino cherries with stems, drained and patted dry
- 2 1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 12 ounces chocolate almond bark, broken into smaller chunks
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, gently combine the sifted powdered sugar, softened butter, light corn syrup, pure vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir with kindness until a pliable dough forms, reminiscent of soft clouds gathered in a twilight sky.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a canvas for your artistry.
- With delicate hands, scoop and roll the sweet dough into small balls, flattening them into perfect circles. Envelop each cherry with this luscious mixture, lovingly placing them upon the parchment-lined surface.
- Melt the chocolate almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl, allowing it to transform into a silky elixir. Heat in one-minute intervals, stirring until the chocolate is smooth and inviting.
- With gentle precision, dunk each covered cherry into the melted chocolate, permitting the excess to gracefully drip away like morning dew. Place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet, a gallery of elegance emerging.
- Should you wish, drizzle any leftover chocolate over the coated cherries for an artistic flourish, a final adornment to your creations.
- Work swiftly, for the dough wishes to remain soft and inviting; if necessary, adjust with a touch more corn syrup. Should the chocolate thicken, simply reheat, coaxing it back into a velvety dip.
How to serve Chocolate Covered Cherries
These tempting treats are best served chilled, their chocolate cloak offering a delightful contrast to the bright, juicy cherry within. Present them on a beautiful platter, inviting friends and family to delight in each velvety bite. Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine, forging a connection of flavors that dances upon the palate.
How to store Chocolate Covered Cherries
With careful attention, these confections may be stored in an airtight container, nestled delicately in the refrigerator. Their enchanting flavors deepen as they rest, best enjoyed within a week.
Tips to make Chocolate Covered Cherries
- Be sure to pat your cherries dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture interfering with the chocolate coating.
- For a subtler almond flavor, you may adjust the almond extract to your liking, symphonizing the overall taste to your preference.
- Consider using dark chocolate or white chocolate for variations in flavor and visual appeal, each offering an exquisite twist to this timeless classic.
Variations
Explore the realm of possibilities with your chocolate-covered cherries. Consider rolling the finished treats in finely chopped nuts, toasted coconut, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a tantalizing contrast. Each alteration can weave a new narrative into your culinary tapestry.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A: Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be used, but be sure to dry them well and remove the pits beforehand.
Q: What if my chocolate hardens while dipping?
A: Simply reheat the chocolate gently in the microwave, stirring until it returns to a smooth consistency, ready to envelop your cherries once more.
Q: Can I freeze chocolate-covered cherries?
A: Yes, these confections can be frozen! Allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Enjoy them directly from the freezer for a delightful treat.
In the gentle alchemy of baking, we find a rhythm and grace that resonates through both creation and consumption. As we celebrate the beauty of chocolate-covered cherries, we are reminded that patience and artistry entwine harmoniously, and in each carefully crafted confection lies a story waiting to be savored.
Chocolate Covered Cherries
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, gently combine the sifted powdered sugar, softened butter, light corn syrup, pure vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Stir until a pliable dough forms.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop and roll the sweet dough into small balls, then flatten into perfect circles.
- Envelop each cherry with the dough and place them on the parchment-lined surface.
- Melt the chocolate almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in one-minute intervals and stirring until smooth.
- Dunk each covered cherry into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip away.
- Place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle any leftover chocolate over the coated cherries if desired.