Chocolate Covered Cherries

I love chocolate.  To me it is a food group!  As a child my favorite thing was to go to my father's office, walk directly to his desk and in the bottom drawer on the left hand side was a stash of chocolate.  That was nearly 40 years ago and I can remember exactly where he kept it.  In my office I have a stash of chocolate in the top left hand drawer.  It isn't a secret and everyone knows I can hook them up with a chocolate fix.

My dad has always loved chocolate covered cherries.  My grandmother used to buy them and I loved them too.  They can be bought for a buck almost anywhere.  I've never figured out how they can sell them so inexpensively!  This year I decided to make them for my dad.  He is a young 83 years old, and I love him more than anyone in the world.  He deserves the best of everything.  This one is for you Dad!  I love you!

Chocolate Covered Cherries


1 jar of maraschino cherries with stems

1/2 pound fondant (I prefer Duff's which comes in a 2 pound bucket for $19.99 at Michael's)

1/2 pound chocolate such as Ghiradelli, Wilton, or chocolate coating if you prefer

1. Drain cherries on a triple layer of paper towels for at least 24 hours to absorb all liquid.

2.  Roll a ball of fondant about the size of a golf ball with a fondant roller or a rolling pin dusted with cornstarch until it is about 1/8 inch thick.

3.  Cut a piece of fondant large enough to completely cover the cherry, pressing the edges toward the stem to seal.  Use a small dab of water to smooth if necessary.

4.  Place on a plate and let the fondant covered cherries dry to the touch, or overnight.

5. Melt chocolate coating in the microwave (or temper chocolate to temperature).

6.  Dip cherries in chocolate and place in a foil candy cup or on wax paper until set.

7.  Allow at least 14 days for the fondant to become a liquid center and voila!  You have chocolate covered cherries that are much better than you can buy at the drugstore!