Chocolate Covered Cherries Day

Today is Chocolate Covered Cherry Day, but since it's January 3, there are not a lot of fresh cherries to be had at the market, so dried cherries would be best! Here's a simple recipe for Chocolate Cherry Truffles. No time to cook? Buy some fabulous Chukar Cherries. Scroll down for a link and varieties. I loved them!!

Chocolate Cherry Truffles

Ingredients
13 ounces dark (65-75% cacao) chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Dash of salt
1/2 cup DARK cocoa powder

Directions
In saucepan over another saucepan with simmering water, combine chocolate and cream. Stir until chocolate is melted and smooth.
Stir in chopped dried cherries, balsamic vinegar, and salt.
Pour into small baking pan (8 x 8) and refrigerate until set (about 2 hours).
Put cocoa in a bowl.
Using melon baller, scoop out small ball of chocolate mixture.
Place each ganache ball on silpat mat or parchment lined cookie sheet until all chocolate is used up. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Take out of refrigerator and roll into balls with your hands.
Roll balls in cocoa powder until coated.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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And here's another way to celebrate the day.  Buy one of Chukar Cherries, dipped in Chocolate: Classic Dark Cherries, Cherry Bings, Cabernet Cherries, Tangerine Cherries, Black Forest Cherries, Chipotle Dark Cherries, Pinot Noir Cherries, Chocolate Cherry Truffles, and more! Wow!!!

Chukar Cherries: Fresh flavors of the Northwest! Everything they sell is 100% natural and most are certified KOF-K kosher. They dry their fruits without sulfites or preservatives. They partner with local growers and orchardists in their region. Freshness is of critical importance to them. Most everything they sell is made at their factory in Prosser, WA. Their manufacturing practices ensure that everything is made just in time to be delivered fresh. In the Chukar Kitchen they never use preservatives or ship chocolate that has languished on a warehouse shelf.

And to add to the day, a Retro Chocolate Cherry Ad from Brach's: