Combining fresh cherries, brandy and chocolate, these Cherry Liqueur Chocolates make a perfect end to any meal or can be enjoyed on their own as a special treat.

The inspiration for these chocolates was actually a chocolate shop in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales where something similar was being sold for more than $100/kg ($50/lb.). Obviously I thought I could do better for a substantially lower cost. This recipe is the result.

Step 1: Ingredients

The good thing about this recipe is that it works with or without the alcohol meaning that if you have a mix of adults and children you can simply skip the alcohol for some of the cherries so no one has to miss out.

Ingredients

12 Fresh Cherries with stalks still on
½ cup Dark or Milk Chocolate
1 cup Brandy
Sprinkles (optional)

You can multiply the amounts of cherries and chocolate so long as you have enough brandy to soak the cherries.

Step 2: Score the Cherries

Take a sharp knife and score each of the cherry skins to allow the brandy to penetrate the fruit.

Skip this step for the non alcohol version

Step 3: Soak the Cherries in the Brandy

Place the cherries into a bowl or other container and pour in enough of the Brandy so as to cover them. After doing this, put them aside and leave the Cherries to soak for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.

Again, skip this step if making a non-alcohol version

Step 4: Dry Off the Cherries

Remove the cherries and dry them off using paper towel. The cherries must be dry as if there is any liquid on them will ruin the melted chocolate when they are dipped.

You won't need to do this if not using alcohol.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate

Melt the Chocolate. You can do this by using a double boiler over your stove top or by using a Microwave oven on a low power setting.

Details on the different ways to melt chocolate can be seen here.

Step 6: Dip the Cherries

Coat the cherries with the melted chocolate. You can use a teaspoon to help ensure that they are completely coated.

Step 7: Dip the Cherry in the Sprinkles

Take the chocolate dipped cherry and roll it into the sprinkles. How much of the cherry you coat in the sprinkles is up to you.

Again, this step is entirely optional and I would actually only recommend it for the non-alcohol version of the recipe if you are making the cherries for kids.

Step 8: Let the Chocolate Set.

Next, lay the cherries out on a plate lined with grease proof paper. Make sure they do not touch each other.

When you have all of the cherries on the plate, move it to the fridge to cool and allow the chocolate to set properly.

Step 9: Ready to Eat

Once the chocolate has set completely they are ready to serve. They go together very well with Coffee after a meal or are delicious on their own as a special treat.

Notes: Retain the Brandy after you have removed the cherries. The flavor will be enhanced by the cherries so you can either drink it or use it for cooking.

If brandy is not for you, you can substitute it for whisky, vodka or even things like orange liqueur. All will work equally well, which you choose will depend on your personal taste.