Indulge in the delightful combination of chocolate and cherries with this simple yet elegant recipe. Perfect for special occasions or just a sweet treat, these chocolate-covered cherries are sure to impress. The rich, smooth dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the juicy, sweet cherries, creating a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
If you don't already have coconut oil in your pantry, you might need to pick some up at the supermarket. It's used to help melt the dark chocolate smoothly and adds a subtle hint of coconut flavor. Fresh or maraschino cherries can be used, depending on your preference. Fresh cherries will provide a more natural taste, while maraschino cherries offer a sweeter, more intense flavor.
Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe
Cherries: The main ingredient, providing a juicy and sweet base for the recipe.
Dark chocolate: Used for coating the cherries, offering a rich and slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the cherries.
Coconut oil: Helps to melt the chocolate smoothly and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When melting dark chocolate and coconut oil in a double boiler, make sure to stir constantly to achieve a smooth and glossy consistency. This prevents the chocolate from overheating and seizing. If you don't have a double boiler, you can create one by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
fresh or maraschino cherries - Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries provide a different texture but still offer a sweet and tart flavor similar to fresh or maraschino cherries.
fresh or maraschino cherries - Substitute with strawberries: Strawberries can be used for a different but equally delicious fruit option, offering a juicy and sweet alternative.
chopped dark chocolate - Substitute with milk chocolate: Milk chocolate provides a sweeter and creamier coating, which can be a good alternative for those who prefer a less intense chocolate flavor.
chopped dark chocolate - Substitute with white chocolate: White chocolate offers a completely different flavor profile and a creamy, sweet coating that pairs well with the tartness of cherries.
coconut oil - Substitute with butter: Butter can be used to achieve a similar consistency and richness in the chocolate coating, though it will impart a slightly different flavor.
coconut oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used to thin the chocolate for coating, providing a neutral flavor that won't interfere with the taste of the chocolate or cherries.
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How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- To keep your chocolate covered cherries fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents moisture from seeping in and keeps the chocolate crisp.
- Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers if you need to stack them. This avoids sticking and maintains their pristine look.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to enjoy them within a week. The cool temperature helps the chocolate stay firm and the cherries fresh.
- For longer storage, consider freezing. Lay the chocolate covered cherries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Once frozen, transfer the cherries to a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- When you're ready to indulge, let the chocolate covered cherries thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours. This gradual thawing helps maintain their texture and flavor.
- Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can cause condensation, making the chocolate lose its snap and become sticky.
How to Reheat Leftovers
For a quick and easy method, place the chocolate-covered cherries on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them in the microwave on low power for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as the chocolate can melt too much and lose its shape.
If you prefer a more controlled reheating process, use a double boiler. Place the chocolate-covered cherries in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water. Stir gently until the chocolate is just slightly warmed. This method helps maintain the integrity of the chocolate coating.
For an even gentler approach, you can use an oven. Preheat your oven to the lowest setting, usually around 150°F (65°C). Place the chocolate-covered cherries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and warm them for about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to ensure the chocolate doesn't melt too much.
If you have a sous-vide machine, you can use it to gently reheat the chocolate-covered cherries. Place them in a vacuum-sealed bag and immerse them in a water bath set to 90°F (32°C) for about 10 minutes. This method ensures even reheating without compromising the texture of the chocolate.
For a more traditional approach, you can use a warm water bath. Fill a bowl with warm water (not boiling) and place a smaller bowl with the chocolate-covered cherries inside it. Stir gently until the chocolate is slightly warmed. This method is similar to the double boiler but uses less equipment.
Best Tools for Making This Recipe
Double boiler: A specialized piece of cookware used to gently melt the chocolate and coconut oil without burning them.
Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used to place the chocolate-covered cherries on for cooling.
Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used to line the baking sheet, preventing the cherries from sticking.
Mixing spoon: A utensil used to stir the chocolate and coconut oil as they melt.
Refrigerator: An appliance used to cool and set the chocolate on the cherries.
Tongs: A tool used to dip the cherries into the melted chocolate without making a mess.
Measuring spoon: A small spoon used to measure the exact amount of coconut oil needed.
Bowl: A container used to hold the cherries after they are washed and dried.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Use maraschino cherries: Opt for maraschino cherries instead of fresh ones to save time on washing and drying.
Microwave method: Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to speed up the process.
Assembly line: Set up an assembly line with your cherries, melted chocolate, and parchment-lined baking sheet to streamline dipping and placing.
Pre-chill the tray: Place the baking sheet in the fridge before starting to help the chocolate set faster.
Chocolate Covered Cherries
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 pieces Cherries fresh or maraschino
- 200 grams Dark chocolate chopped
- 1 tablespoon Coconut oil
Instructions
- 1. Wash and dry the cherries.
- 2. Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil in a double boiler.
- 3. Dip each cherry into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated.
- 4. Place the chocolate-covered cherries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses for This Recipe
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