Stuffed Cherries dipped in Chocolate

By barbsjustagirl

Make these stuffed cherries in the early summer when cherries are plentiful. They freeze very well.

Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed cherry equals 105 calories, 7 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 6 mg cholesterol, 20 mg sodium, 11 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 * 1-1/2 pounds fresh dark sweet cherries with stems
• 1 * 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 2 * 2 tablespoons ground hazelnuts
• 2 * 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 * 2 cups white baking chips
• 12 * 12 teaspoons shortening, divided
• 1-1/2 * 1-1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 1-1/2 * 1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Details

Servings 5
Preparation time 45mins
Cooking time 45mins

Preparation

Step 1

* Pit cherries through the sides, leaving stems intact. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in hazelnuts and syrup. Pipe into cherries.
* In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt vanilla chips and 5 teaspoons shortening at 70% power. Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. In another bowl, repeat with milk chocolate chips and 3-1/2 teaspoons shortening. Repeat with semisweet chips and remaining shortening.
* Holding stems, dip a third of the stuffed cherries into melted white chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set. Repeat with remaining cherries and milk chocolate and semisweet chocolate. Dip the white-coated cherries a second time to completely cover; let stand until set.
* Reheat remaining melted chocolate if necessary. Drizzle white chocolate over cherries dipped in milk or semisweet chocolate. Drizzle milk or semisweet chocolate over white chocolate-dipped cherries. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.