Why are chocolate covered cherries synonymous with love?
Chocolate covered cherries are also known as “cherry cordials” and the Latin word “cor” means “heart”. Many years ago, cordials were made by soaking fruit in alcohol and were thought to stimulate the heart and improve circulation. It’s no wonder that these heart-centric treats have gradually become a perfect little love gift.
I’ve loved the combination of chocolate and cherries since childhood. Remember the little boxes of chocolate cherries that showed up in stores for every holiday? I loved them and they were cheap enough that I could occasionally buy myself a box with my babysitting money. They’ve gone up in price, but they still show up on shelves everywhere. (The cherries are now steeped in sugar syrup).
So, when this recipe popped into my Pinterest account recently, I just had to try it. I had a bag of frozen cherries in my freezer which convinced me that it was meant to be!
I usually use my mixer for everything (arthritis hands) but this was so easy to stir together that I did it the old-fashioned way. I grabbed a big pottery bowl and a wooden spoon and stirred it together with joy.
Give it a try. I think you’ll love these.
CHERRY CHOCOLATE BARS
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted melted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup cherries, fresh or frozen (thawed)
- ½ cup nuts optional
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8-by-8-inch pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside.
2. If your cherries are frozen, put a cup’s worth in a strainer and run warm water over them. Let them drain and cut them in half. Set aside.
3. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, about 60 seconds. Note: Always cover your bowl with a plate or cling wrap when melting butter. It has a tendency to explode. Mine did this time with ONE second left! That would have made me so mad if I hadn’t covered it.
4. To the melted butter, add the brown sugar and stir together.
5. Add the egg and vanilla and stir to combine. Add the flour and salt, and stir until just combined, taking care not to over mix or the bars will be tough.
6. Fold in chocolate chips and cherries. I added chopped pecans (1/2 cup) because I love a crunch in my baked goods. We here at allmomdoes.com are split half and half about whether nuts belong in cookies and bars!
7. Spoon the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it lightly with a spatula or offset knife.
8. Bake for 27 to 32 minutes, or until the edges begin to slightly pull away from the sides of the pan and the center is set.
9. Allow the bars to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving (if you can!).
Even my chocolate-disliking husband loved these! The tang of the fresh cherries and the sweetness of the chocolate is once again the perfect combination.
More History: The Cella’s candy company has been making chocolate covered cherries since 1864! Their large scale production began in 1929 and they are still showing up on shelves everywhere today. The Queen Anne candy company began making them in 1948 and Brach’s in the 1930’s. Apparently I’m not the only one who loves the chocolate and cherry combination!
“Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord.” Nehemiah 8:10
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Read more of Ann’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
