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Homemade Cherry Cordials

A close-up of several homemade chocolate covered cherries piled on a white plate, one is bitten open revealing the bright red cherry inside.
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Make classic chocolate covered cherries with a soft, sweet cordial center using maraschino cherries and simple fondant.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained well
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 pound dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional, for smoother coating)

Instructions

  1. Place the drained maraschino cherries on a plate lined with paper towels. Pat them very dry. This step is important for the coating.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Stop stirring and let the mixture boil until it reaches 238 degrees Fahrenheit (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
  4. Remove the syrup from the heat. Stir in the almond extract.
  5. Dip each dried cherry into the hot syrup, coating it completely. Use a fork or toothpick to lift it out. Let excess syrup drip off.
  6. Place the coated cherries back onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or until the fondant coating is firm and dry to the touch.
  7. Melt the chopped chocolate and shortening (if using) in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  8. Dip each fondant-covered cherry into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow excess chocolate to drip off.
  9. Return the dipped cherries to the parchment-lined sheet. Let the chocolate set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

Notes

  • Drying the cherries thoroughly prevents the chocolate from seizing or separating.
  • If you prefer a slightly liquid center, reduce the syrup cooking time slightly, but be careful not to make it too thin.
  • Store finished cordials in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to two weeks.

Nutrition

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