Brandied Chocolate Covered Cherries Food

BRANDIED CHERRIES

Steps:

• In 2-quart saucepan, mix sugar, water and lemon juice. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; simmer 8 to 10 minutes or until mixture slightly reduces and thickens. Remove from heat. Stir in brandy and pitted cherries.
• Transfer cherries and liquid to jar (liquid should cover cherries completely). Cover with lid; seal tightly. Cool completely, about 3 hours.
• Store in refrigerator 4 to 6 weeks before serving.

CHOCOLATE-COVERED CHERRIES

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the sugar, butter, milk and extract. Knead until smooth and pliable. Shape into 1-in. balls and flatten each into a 2-in. circle. , Wrap one circle around each cherry and lightly roll in hands. Place with stems up on waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. , In a microwave, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Holding on to the stems, dip cherries into chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper until set. Store in a covered container. Refrigerate 1-2 weeks before serving.

CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRIES

Steps:

• Drain cherries and set on paper towels to dry.
• In a medium bowl, combine butter and corn syrup until smooth. Stir in confectioners' sugar and knead to form a dough. Chill to stiffen if necessary. Wrap each cherry in about 1 teaspoon of dough. Chill until firm.
• Melt confectioners' coating in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Dip each cherry in by its stem, and place on waxed paper lined sheets. Chill until completely set. Store in an airtight container in a cool place. Best after 1 or 2 weeks.

CHOCOLATE-COVERED BOURBON CHERRIES

Steps:

• Pour bourbon over drained cherries. Cover, refrigerate and allow to set for 2 days.
• Combine butter, corn syrup and salt. Blend until smooth. Add confectioners' sugar and mix well. Knead until smooth and shiny. Chill for 30 minutes wrapped in waxed paper.
• While chilling, drain cherries well on paper towels. Pat dry. Reserve bourbon marinade for a cake or other dish (will keep if it is covered and refrigerated).
• Shape a marble-sized piece of fondant around each cherry. Place on waxed paper and chill at least 2 hours until firm.
• Melt chocolate in top of a double boiler over simmering water. Dip cherries in chocolate and set back on waxed papers. Allow trays to cool in refrigerator. Store in airtight containers.
• Candy will ripen well in about 2 days.

BRANDIED CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRIES

Steps:

• Pour brandy over drained cherries; let set for two days.
• Combine butter, corn syrup and salt; blend until smooth.
• Add confectioners' sugar and mix well.
• Knead until smooth and shiny; wrap in wax paper and chill for 30 minutes.
• Drain cherries well on paper towels; pat dry.
• Shape a marble-size piece of fondant around each cherry and place on wax paper-lined tray. Chill until firm, about 2 hours.
• Melt chocolate over hot water, stirring constantly.
• Dip cherries quickly and place on wax paper-lined tray.
• Place in refrigerator to set.
• Store in covered container in a cool, dark place for 10 to 14 days to fully ripen allow the fondant to liquify inside.

TRUFFLES WITH CHOCOLATE-BRANDIED CHERRIES

Steps:

• Soak cherries in brandy overnight. Drain well on paper towels.
• Mix cream cheese and cookie crumbs until blended. Shape into 48 (1-inch) balls. Gently mold cream cheese mixture around each cherry.
• Dip in melted chocolate; place on waxed paper-covered rimmed baking sheet. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.