Little choc-cherry ballerinas waiting to dance on your taste buds
'Why do we need more cherries?' Peter asked when I stopped to buy two large packs of plump cherries from sellers at the Capital Region Farmer's Markets on Saturday. After our recent weekend in Young for the Cherry Festival, you might think that I'd had enough of the fruit. Not so... despite de-stoning and preserving about four and a half kilos (and devouring another kilo or so fresh from the hand, I am still merrily playing with them in my kitchen.
For a deliciously fun, festive indulgence, try dipping some cherries or strawberries in melted chocolate. Chill them until ready to serve, and there you have it... little choc-cherry ballerinas waiting to dance on your taste buds. 
For this chocolate indulgence, you can de-stone the cherries if you wish
CHOCOLATE DIPPED CHERRY BERRY INDULGENCE
500g cherries or strawberries, washed and gently patted dry, stems intact* 125g good quality dark chocolate+ Melt the chocolate in Pyrex bowl or a double boiler over a saucepan of simmering water. Lay a sheet of baking paper onto a platter or tray. Holding the fruit by the stem, dip the cherries or strawberries into the melted chocolate and allow the excess to drip back into the bowl. Place onto the prepared tray and pop into the refrigerator to set. Serve chilled with a suitable dessert wine. Will keep for a day or two in the refrigerator. * Use plump fruit in perfect condition. You can de-stone the cherries if you like, however you will need to use a tool to remove the stone from the side, rather than top to bottom. If you choose to leave the stones in, the cherries will still taste lovely. Just make sure you advise your guests. Nothing worse than a cracked tooth! + If there's any chocolate left over, cover and refrigerate until you're ready to melt again and dip more fruit. It will keep a day or so in the refrigerator. 
Wash the strawberries and gently pat them dry, leave the stems intact
The process in pictures...Season's Eatings...
Choc-dipped strawberry indulgence!
What's your favourite indulgence during the festive season? What good things will you be cooking?
30 Comments
15/12/2012 08:57:35 pm
These cherries look so wonderful and plump and juicy, you can never have too many cherries! I've never thought to dip them in chocolate! Must give them a go!
Lizzy
18/12/2012 08:19:50 pm
Thanks Clare... do give it a try... soooooooooooo cherrylicious! 16/12/2012 07:07:43 am
You are a cherry fiend. Well live it up its your time of year, These look delicious and indulgent and I am sure you will have plenty of takers
Lizzy
18/12/2012 08:20:34 pm
LOL, I have loved cherries since my childhood. Wish I could stop at just a few.... Season's eatings to you my friend. 16/12/2012 08:04:53 am
So yummy indeed Lizzy! I'd like too see them in a big pile atop a (GF) black forest cake- mmmmmmm........
Lizzy
18/12/2012 08:20:50 pm
Now that's a good idea! Season's eatings, Bec. 16/12/2012 11:54:56 am
'If there's any chocolate left over, cover and refrigerate..." - no, surely just lick it all out if a wonderful moment of gluttony er indulgence! i just took possession of the first of my father's cherries, so i'm not yet at the chco-dipping stage - i'm enjoying them as they are.
Lizzy
18/12/2012 08:21:22 pm
Now you're talking, LOL! Oh, I bet your father's cherries are lovely. Season's eatings! 16/12/2012 01:34:11 pm
What a delicious treat! I am obsessed with all things cherry at the moment....I couldn't stop at one of these...
Lizzy
18/12/2012 08:21:51 pm
Indeed it is... I think I need to get some really good couverture for the next batch Anna! Season's eatings. 17/12/2012 12:25:56 pm
I love cherries and chocolate together, what a delicious dessert idea!
Lizzy
18/12/2012 08:22:17 pm
Perfect for Christmas cocktails, methinks! Season's eatings, Laura. 17/12/2012 03:27:11 pm
Wow, Liz, you've been so busy in the kitchen. The chocolate-dipped cherries look divine. I'm surprised you can still look at cherries after preserving so many!
Lizzy
18/12/2012 08:22:42 pm
You will be able to taste some very soon, my friend. Season's eatings. 17/12/2012 05:14:53 pm
cherries are an indulgence for me as they are so expensive here! Yours look delicious :)
Lizzy
18/12/2012 08:23:13 pm
Oh, that's simply not fair, Tandy! Wish I could send you some! Season's eatings. 17/12/2012 06:01:27 pm
Love these Lizzy, they look perfect. They are just so festive aren't they?
Lizzy
18/12/2012 08:23:33 pm
Thanks Jane, they are, aren't they! Season's eatings. xo 18/12/2012 12:29:19 am
You know I've tried chocolate strawberries but not cherries yet! Great idea Lizzy!
Lizzy
18/12/2012 08:23:54 pm
I love them both, Lorraine... such a treat! Season's eatings. 18/12/2012 05:19:10 am
Just a little bit jealous of your berries. Ours at this time of year are second mortgage territory. If you actually buy them the cashier usually tells you the price after weighing in a querying voice! I have to reassure that I am having them instead of the a bottle of wine (same price). Festive little choccie robes, yum!
Lizzy
18/12/2012 08:24:42 pm
Hi Kellie... yes, there are times when we have only the USA cherries... they are sooooooo huge, so delicious looking, but sooooooo pricey. Season's eatings to you and yours. 18/12/2012 11:04:02 am
I've loved cherries for as long as i can remember. I indulged in a quite a large bag of them at the desk at work yesterday. I must stock up today. I love their dark purple flesh as it pulls away from the stone. As for what i'll be cooking this Christmas ... i haven't quite decided. Menu planning tomorrow morning. Grocery shopping Friday. I'll let you know what i come up with. Merry Christmas, Lizzy.
Lizzy
18/12/2012 08:25:44 pm
What a lovely snack idea.... I eat so many that I get a little tummy ache sometimes. The time is passing so quickly, Rachel... it will be Christmas so soon. Season's eatings my friend. 18/12/2012 01:07:37 pm
Oh yes these can most definitely dance on my tastebuds. Such a simple but tasty treat!
Lizzy
18/12/2012 08:26:28 pm
Name the song you'd like them to dance to, Claire! They will dance for you. Season's eatings and thanks for stopping by!
Lizzy
20/12/2012 05:12:04 pm
Oh yes, but of course! ; ) 23/12/2012 12:06:09 am
I absolutely love dipping fruit into chocolate - especially cherries and berries, such an unbeatable combination :D
Lizzy
24/6/2013 06:59:20 am
So true! And soooooooooo delicious! Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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Photo Jay Cranon, The Canberra Times
Hello. I'm Liz, a writer, cook and traveller based in Canberra, Australia.
Join me as I share with you my favourite recipes, postcards and morsels from my adventures, conversations with cookery writers and chefs, and news on food and cooking.  Search by topicNB: I use Australian standard measuring cups and spoons in my recipes.
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