Chocolate Covered Cherries

I wanted to test out some "early" Christmas treats.
I thought these little chocolate covered cherries would be great for:
a) Holiday Parties
b) Home made gifts
c) yourself!
And you know what? I was right!

These little bites of pure sugar sweet bliss were Fan-Tas-Tick!
Loved each and every bite... and then they were gone.
Another great thing about this treat, is that you make them 2 weeks in advance of the party. They are made so far ahead of time, you don't have to stress about them right BEFORE the event. One less thing to take care of. If only I could get my husband ready 2 weeks in advance... sigh...

I found this in my Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book
Here's what you'll need: (and here's what I made)
60 maraschino cherries with stems (maybe 20 cherries with stems)
3 tablespoons butter, softened (1T butter)
3 tablespoons corn syrup (1T corn syrup)
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (2/3 C powered sugar)
1 pound chocolate confectioners' coating (Baker's Dipping Chocolate )

Here's what you do:

Drain cherries on a paper napkin for several hours. Flip them a few times to ensure that all the liquid has drained out.

Mix the butter and corn syrup and sift in the powered sugar. Mix with a spoon to combine. As the mixture gets thicker, use your hands. You may have to chill it if it becomes too soft to handle.

Shape 1/2 teaspoon of the sugar around each cherry. Place the covered cherries on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and chill for 45 minutes to 1 hour. 

Melt the chocolate according to the directions in the microwave.

Hold the cherry by the stem and dip into the melted chocolate. Make sure to completely coat the cherry and not to allow any holes or bubbles to allow air to get to the cherry. Let the excess chocolate drip off and place back on to the wax paper. 

Once all are dipped and chocolate is hardened (you may place back in fridge to speed up the process) place the cherries into a Tupperware container and hide in the back store in the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks. The time in the fridge allows the sugar to soften and liquefy.

One week in fridge. See how the sugar is still thick and defined?

They still tasted great! Some might prefer this texture.

Two weeks in the fridge. The sugar is melting and gives that great melt in you mouth feeling. Some might prefer this texture.

Take the cherries out of the fridge a few hours before serving them and keep the container closed. Condensation will form on the chocolate and lead to sticky, sweaty chocolate and nobody wants that. Serve on a pretty platter with other holiday treats for guests to enjoy!

*** Valentine's Day Update: Make them in the beginning of February to give to your special someone for Valentine's Day! ***

Make Ahead for a Stress Free Treat!
Enjoy!


I've shared this in the following Blogs - Check them out!
Whipper Berry
Alli n Son
One Tough Mother
The Kurtz Corner
Everything Under the Moon
It's Overflowing
Mrs. Fox's Sweets
Somewhat Simple
Something Swanky
The Crafty Blog Stalker
The D.I.Y Dreamer