If you wander through the markets in Australia in December you’re sure to hear a fruit seller booming “The cherries are ripe!” across the stalls. Boxes of cherries line the aisles, ready to be given as Christmas gifts or simply to adorn the table in decoration, given their seasonally-appropriate hue.
Cherries are synonymous with Christmas and the relaxed living we assume during the Summer break. They are a fruit that encourages slowing down, given the whole pip situation, and the relatively little reward you get from each fruit. On a hot day, working your way through a bowl of cold cherries from the fridge, perhaps while watching the cricket on the TV, is an excellent past time if you’re in need of some peace.
I think we all need a little peace on Christmas Day, or at least a break from the heavy, rich food that is sure to be on the table. These chocolate-dipped cherries will provide both.
Cherries possess a floral, fruity flavour as well as a hint of nuttiness, from the almond-scented seed. This fruit and nut combo is a natural partner to creamy chocolate, and dunking the glossy, ripe fruit into a pool of molten white chocolate is a very satisfying brokering of that relationship.
I chose white chocolate to keep within the festive palette and added silver sugar pearls as ornamentation, because what’s a Christmas dessert without some bedazzling?
The chocolate-dipped cherries will look beautiful on the table during the meal, and can be served alongside other desserts as a decorative yet delicious accent that won’t weigh everyone down. I can also attest that they will be well received during morning tea at work.
Cherries Dipped in White Chocolate
Serves 6-8, takes about 20 minutes
Ingredients
2 big handfuls of cherries
150g white cooking chocolate
1 packet of silver sugar pearls
Method
Line a baking tray that will fit in your fridge with baking paper.
Melt chocolate in the microwave or in a bowl over a barely simmering saucepan of water. White chocolate can be trickier to melt than milk or dark, so watch it carefully because once it starts to burn, there’s no going back.
Dip the cherries into the melted chocolate a few times then place on the baking tray. While the chocolate is still wet, drop tiny pinches of sugar pearls onto the chocolate. You may have to pick up the cherry to get good coverage, though there’s no need for precision.
Place the cherries in the fridge until the chocolate is set.
Serve with an empty bowl, ready for the discarded pips.
That’s an awesome idea!
My gosh, what utterly stunning photographs, and what a beautiful blog! Wonderful idea.
Thanks Susan!
I love this idea for a dessert at this time of year. It is so elegant, especially the way you shot it, and healthy too. Thank you for sharing it.
You’ve put together two of my father-in-laws favorites. I’ll have to file this away for a Father’s Day treat around here. I was surprised when a friend from Australia came over on the 4th of July and said it felt like Christmas… Cherries in the midst of winter would be a wonderful thing. Enjoy!
How absolutely gorgeous!
Very festive! They look like little ornaments!
Beautiful pictures and what a great idea for small sweet bites! Red and white with silver looks so festive.
those are SO beautiful! you and your superb eye…
totally inspired! so simple and so beautiful.
What a beautiful dessert and presentation — I love the elegant silver dragées. And now that I know you all eat cherries for Christmas, it makes me long to come down to Australia for the holiday season more than EVER!
Do you pit the cherries first?
I didn’t, as I like the stalk coming out of the cherries to serve, and it also makes it easier to dip them in the chocolate.
Both Toby & I love this one darling, I think it will adorn our table on Christmas day.
Lots & lots of Luv
Dad & Tobes
So beautiful!
Absolutely beautiful!
So simple and pretty as usual! Wish cherries were in season here!
Can you send me this recipe? They are beautiful!!!
Greetings from New Zealand. I did this for Christmas day and everyone was very impressed..Thanx
I’m so pleased to hear that Lesley! Thanks for coming back and letting me know
Anyone know where to find the silver sugar pearls in the US? Have been looking for them for years.
How awesome! They would be great for a wedding.
Ann Block: http://www.fancyflours.com/category/silver-edible-sugar-pearls-beads-baubles
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Hi! As a fellow food blogger, I noticed that someone has stolen your picture and recipe for Cherries Dipped in White Chocolate (unless you gave them permission). Here’s the link… it’s posted on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=159283834225732&set=pb.130807550406694.-2207520000.1364249999&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-frc1%2F860819_159283834225732_493017748_o.jpg&smallsrc=https%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-snc7%2F582698_159283834225732_493017748_n.jpg&size=683%2C1024
Oh wow. That doesn’t feel so good, especially given the fuss that seems to be happening there about copyright infringement. I’ve asked them to attribute my content with a link. Thanks for letting me know.
You’re so welcome. I had seen the Cherries before, so I googled searched them and found your blog. They are really beautiful and I do believe that credit should be given, where credit is due!!
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How beautiful! It’s still early for cherries but there’s strawberries now, and this is a precious idea for my little girls princess party. Thank you
A Princess party! Sounds fun.
Great idea
O
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