Holiday Chocolate Covered Cherries Food

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:

• In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, butter, milk and extract; mix well.
• Knead into a large ball.
• Roll into 1-inch balls and flatten each into a 2-inch circle.
• Wrap around cherries and lightly roll in hands.
• Place with stems up on waxed paper-lined baking sheet.
• Cover loosely and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
• Melt the chocolate chips and shortening in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl.
• Holding on to stem, dip cherries into chocolate; set on waxed paper to harden.
• Store in a covered container.
• Refrigerate 1-2 weeks before serving.
• Yield: about 3 dozen.

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.

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 chocolate 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.

HOLIDAY CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRIES

Steps:

• Drain the cherries; pat dry on paper towels, and set aside.
• In mixer bowl beat butter, corn syrup, and salt until well combined.
• Stir in powdered sugar and knead until smooth (mixture will be very stiff).
• Shape 1/2 teaspoon of sugar mixture around each cherry (make sure the cherries are dry so the sugar mixture will stick).
• Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer until cherries are firm.
• At this point you can place them in a container or freezer bag and return to the freezer for dipping later when it's convenient.
• Melt chocolate chips and shortening in glass heat-proof bowl, stirring often so the chocolate doesn't burn.
• Dip each cherry in chocolate and place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet.
• A carving fork works great for dipping the cherries.
• Chill until firm and store in the refrigerator.