I have had a bag of dried cherries from costco for about 6 months and not known what to do with them until I stumbled across this recipe. There are other cherry themed desserts on friends blogs which I also want to try but this fulfilled my number 1 requirement to be super easy and quick. I used black cherry jam which resulted in a sour cherry flavour which make them quite different from regular cherry ripes although just as delicious. I think Toby was glad as he loves sour cherries. I had some issues with the mixture staying together when I tried to cut it so ended up with bites instead of bars. I'm going to experiment with regular jam next time.
1 cup shredded coconut
3/4 cup cherry preserves, pureed (I used black cherry jam)
1/4 cup finely chopped dried cherries (sour if you have them)
1/4 cup finely chopped dried cherries (sour if you have them)
1 cup dark chocolate chips
Mix coconut, cherry preserves, and dried cherries together. Adjust dry to wet ratio as needed until you have a paste that can be molded into candy bars. Mold into a quarter inch thick rectangle. Place in freezer for half an hour, then cut into bars or bite sizes.
Melt chocolate chips and pour over bars to cover. Place back in the freezer for five minutes until chocolate is fully set. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
I've never liked cherries but for some reason I think I wouldn't mind sour ones. Maybe it's time I tried them again!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love Costco now that we have one here! It's magical.
K, how fantastic!! I, too, have those Costco cherries, and apart from the almond meal chocolate cake/slice I made using them, I've just been eating them straight. I can't *wait* to make these, maybe with raspberry jam to be crazy :P
ReplyDeleteAh so you are following cherry ripe with dark cherry bars :-) how can you go wrong with coconut chocolate and cherries! Sounds delish!
ReplyDeleteOh man, I love cherries, sour or otherwise. What a great idea for using up your Costco cherries... those bars look so delicious.
ReplyDeleteYum, I love the combination of cherry & chocolate.
ReplyDeleteThese look beautiful and what a great idea! I think it would also be great with cranberries and/or cranberry jam for the upcoming holidays.
ReplyDeleteOoh yummo! I have the cherries from Costco, you should try them in the Cherry Almond Cookies from VCIYCJ - they are delicious!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, they loook great. I love the sound of sour cherry. I wonder how theyd be with chopped up almonds, or maybe the coconut would overwhelm them.
ReplyDeleteErin, I know am obessed with their giant maple syrups.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how many of you have the costco cherries. Mandee, will give it a go, thanks!
Sneakylily, I think it would be great/
Sounds like a great recipe! I love Cherry Ripe so I am sure I will like this.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds fantastic, and so easy, James is gonna love it! Just have no idea where I'm gonna find dried cherries.
ReplyDelete