# What you'll need:
→ Cherries
01 - 24 fresh, firm cherries with stems, pitted or well-drained maraschino cherries
→ 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 melted white chocolate for drizzling
# Method:
01 - Wash and thoroughly dry the cherries. If using fresh, pit carefully while retaining stems for dipping.
02 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
03 - Combine chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl. Melt over simmering water, 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 baking sheet.
05 - Optionally sprinkle some cherries with chopped pistachios or desiccated coconut prior to chocolate setting.
06 - Continue coating all cherries, then drizzle melted white chocolate over them for decoration if desired.
07 - Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until chocolate is fully set.
08 - Arrange chocolate-covered cherries on a serving platter in pyramid formation: base layer of 9, then 7, 5, 3, and 1 on top.
09 - Serve immediately or keep chilled up to 2 days.
