# What You'll Need:
→ Cherries
01 - 24 fresh, firm cherries with stems, pitted or 24 high-quality maraschino cherries, well-drained
→ Chocolate Coating
02 - 7 ounces 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)
# How to Make It:
01 - Wash and thoroughly dry cherries. If using fresh cherries, pit carefully while keeping stems intact for dipping.
02 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
03 - In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt dark chocolate and coconut oil together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
04 - Hold each cherry by the stem and dip into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place on prepared sheet.
05 - Optionally sprinkle some cherries with chopped pistachios or desiccated coconut before chocolate sets.
06 - Repeat dipping and garnishing for all cherries. Optionally drizzle melted white chocolate decoratively over bites.
07 - Refrigerate for 20 minutes until the chocolate is fully set.
08 - Arrange chocolate-covered cherries into a pyramid on a platter starting with 9 at the base, then 7, 5, 3, and finally 1 at the top.
09 - Serve immediately or store chilled for up to 2 days.
