# What You'll Need:
→ Cherries
01 - 24 fresh, firm cherries with stems, pitted, or well-drained high-quality maraschino cherries
→ Chocolate Coating
02 - 7 oz dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), chopped
03 - 1 tablespoon coconut oil or unsalted butter
→ Garnishes (optional)
04 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped pistachios
05 - 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut
06 - 2 tablespoons white chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
# Steps:
01 - Wash and dry the cherries thoroughly. If using fresh cherries, pit them carefully, keeping stems intact to enable dipping.
02 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
03 - In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, melt the dark chocolate together with coconut oil or unsalted butter, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
04 - Holding each cherry by the stem, dip into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off, then place on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Optionally sprinkle some cherries with chopped pistachios or desiccated coconut before the chocolate sets for added texture and flavor.
06 - Continue coating all cherries. If desired, drizzle melted white chocolate over the bites for decorative effect.
07 - Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until the chocolate is fully hardened.
08 - Arrange the coated cherries on a serving platter forming a pyramid: base layer of 9, followed by 7, then 5, then 3, and finish with a single cherry at the top.
09 - Present immediately or store chilled for up to 2 days for best freshness.
