# What You'll Need:
→ Cherries
01 - 24 fresh, firm cherries with stems, pitted or high-quality maraschino cherries, well-drained
→ Chocolate Coating
02 - 7 oz dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), chopped
03 - 1 tbsp coconut oil or unsalted butter
→ Garnishes (optional)
04 - 2 tbsp finely chopped pistachios
05 - 2 tbsp desiccated coconut
06 - 2 tbsp white chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
# Method:
01 - Wash and thoroughly dry cherries. If fresh, pit carefully, retaining stems for dipping.
02 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
03 - Combine dark chocolate and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl; melt over simmering water until smooth. Remove from heat.
04 - Hold each cherry by the stem, dip into melted chocolate, and allow excess to drip off. Place on prepared baking sheet.
05 - Optionally, sprinkle some cherries with chopped pistachios or desiccated coconut before chocolate sets.
06 - Drizzle melted white chocolate over bites if desired for decoration.
07 - Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until chocolate hardens.
08 - Arrange chocolate-covered cherries on a platter in pyramid form: base 9, then 7, 5, 3, and single cherry at top.
09 - Serve immediately or keep refrigerated up to 2 days.
