One of my favorite flavor combinations is chocolate with cherries. I don’t know why it is, but I love it to the point of jonesing for it. For example, I love, love, LOVE Black Forest cake. If I see it, I must have it, even if there’s the potential that it’s not going to be good.
[Note to anyone who will be here at Jenworld tomorrow for the 40th annual National Jen Day celebrations, no I did not order Black Forest Cake. Sorry. Believe me, I wish that I had, but when I got to the bakery, I got flustered by all the different options and sort of lost my head.]
I grew up loving Cella’s chocolate-covered cherries. I will be the first to admit that these candies are too sweet and the chocolate isn’t of the highest quality, but there’s just something about biting into one of those luscious juicy cherries and having it ooze down my chin a bit.
* drooling a bit… *
I’ve mentioned here before about how much I like Cherry M&Ms and now I think it’s time to amend my previous statement. Having bought many bags on eBay, I’ve had a more than ample opportunity to taste these M&Ms and give them deep, considered thought. I now understand the reason why they’re only available on occasion — because if they were always available, no one would buy them. They’re pretty good, but they’re best in small doses. But, because they’re rare, people like me go crazy and then stock up. I still like them, but I’m not longer craving them.
Hershey’s makes a cherry Hershey’s kiss that I’ve enjoyed more than a few of since they were introduced, but as I’ve said before, one is never enough. I always want more and am never sated. I’ve decided to give them up and instead treat myself to small quantities of good chocolate instead of large quantities of crap. I’m pretty sure my scales will thank me for this.
So those are the cheap chocolate/cherry options. But what about the good stuff? In the interest of research, I’ve taken it upon myself to check out some other chocolate/cherry possibilities. You’re welcome.
Green & Blacks makes a chocolate/cherry candy bar that is absolutely amazing. And I’m glad, because I just hated to give them a weak review a few weeks ago. In this case, the chocolate is rich and dark, but also with just enough sweetness to cut the bitterness. The cherries have a strong, slightly-tart flavor, as opposed to being too sweet.
Another chocolate/cherry bar that I’ve enjoyed a great many times is by Chocolove. (And is that not a FAB name for a chocolate company?) Their Cherries & Almonds in Dark Chocolate is pretty darn close to perfect. The chocolate is that wonderful blend of dark and sweet and the cherries have a great flavor. The almonds add a nice crunch to the whole deal. This is one of those candy bars that I’ll eat only a couple of squares of at a time because it’s just so satisfying.
My bloggy friend Mooselet recently sent us a huge box of Australian chocolates, which included Cadbury’s Cherry Ripe (Double Dipped with 70% Cocoa), which is Australia’s oldest chocolate bar. (Invented in 1924.) (Thank you Wikipedia.)
[Let me also just mention as a side note that Mooselet told me that Australians are not, in general, big on chocolate. I swear, I'm not making that up. I can't even fathom an entire country that could be offered a Cadbury's candy bar or a bag of Crispy M&Ms and instead say, "Meh, I think I'd rather have some Vegemite."]
Cherry Ripes are cherries and coconut mixed together and then coated in dark chocolate. While the texture is more about the coconut, let me assure you that the flavor is more about the cherries. The chocolate was exactly what I’d expect from Cadbury’s — smooth and creamy without being either too sweet or two bitter. I’ll totally give it two chocolate-smeared thumbs up.
Finally, local chocolate boutique Gearharts makes absolutely divine hand-made chocolates, including one called the Michigan Cherry. Wow. It almost leaves me speechless with delight. The center is the smoothest and creamiest filling that you’ve ever had. I am not kidding. It blows my mind every time. The cherry is literally on top (see photo on right) and it’s just as perfect. And then the whole thing is enrobed in a chocolate that almost defies description. Like I said — WOW.
So that’s my Chocomania report for this week. I’m pretty sure that I’ve only scratched the surface of chocolate/cherry possibilities. What else should I be testing on your behalf?
All images (except for the first, which Jen lifted from Flickr) courtesy of each company’s website. Jen is not employed by any of the companies mentioned, nor was she paid (in money or chocolate) to write these reviews, which is a crying shame.
Jen, I just found a cocktail called, Chocolate Covered Cherry Coke— might be interesting….
http://www.idrink.com/v.html?id=5168
Mmm, schwarzwaldekirschentorte – best tasted in the actual Black Forest, and I did, when I was 15.
J’adore the chocolate-cherry combination. One of my favorite “ghetto” versions when I’m craving it and don’t have any in the house is to scoop a dish of dark chocolate ice-cream, then trowel on about 18 Maraschino cherries. Sounds revolting, but I assure you it scratches the itch.
However…I’m off to find these bars you list here, and I am All Over the cocktail that commenter Kathy mentioned. Yum.
I’m not a cherry fan, but that last one made me wish I were!
So glad you liked the Cherry Ripe. I, too, love cherries and chocolate – The Cheesecake Shop makes an awesome Black Forest torte and cheesecake.
Man, now I’m craving Black Forest cake. Dammit…
now I want cake. Thanks a lot!
When I was a year or so old, my parents lived in Germany, near the Black Forest. My dad was doing post-doc research at the university and my mom was at loose ends with me.
One day we were at a restaurant in the Black Forest (maybe it was the same one you were at, Jen S.) and my mother ordered the Black Forest Cherry cake (I can’t type the German version of the word, too difficult, check Strictly’s post above). She was eating the cake and spooning the whipped cream from the top of the cake into my mouth. The ladies at the next table were getting all bent out of shape and were trying to get my mom’s attention. My mom didn’t speak any German and just smiled politely at them and kept on feeding me the cream.
Finally, one of the ladies was upset enough to go and fetch a waiter who spoke some English. He told my mother that the whipped cream was full of kirsch, a really potent cherry liqueur, probably something that you wouldn’t want to feed to a baby. Mum ate the rest of the cream herself, but she did say that I napped really well that afternoon.
As I was reading Jen’s post and Alison’s reply above, my mouth started watering for black forest cake! I may have to stop at the bakery (the lame-o grocery store ones are the only ones in my area) to see if they have any.
Jen, what about doing some research on chocolate-covered bugs…you know, like grasshoppers, ants, etc. haha!
My grandma always had the cheap chocolate covered cherries at Christmas. One bite still sends me back to Christmas Eve at her house. I insist on getting a box every year just for that reason.
I’m currently addicted to Chukar cherries: http://www.chukar.com/
We sell ‘em up here at Rushmore. Bad for my bottom line (in more ways than one), good for work’s. Holy heavenly chocolate. These are the best chocolate covered cherries I’ve ever tasted. The cherries are nice and tart and the chocolate nice and dark but still sweet not bitter. The Pinot ones are pretty darn yummy too. Damn. Now I’m gonna have to see if I can snag a bag today.
When I travel, I rarely pass up the opportunity to grab a freshly made chocolate covered cherry at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. They conveniently have a nice little store front at the B gates at Denver International Airport. : )
I enjoy a good Black Forest Cake, but for some reason my weakness lends more towards German Chocolate. Same thing – I may know the odds are against it being that good, but I’ve still gotta try anyway.
Jen, you are dedicated in your research!
Now I am going to bake chocolate cake. damn you.
i can’t support the abomination of fruit and chocolate… I’m a purist. LOL!
I agree fruit with choclate makes it healthy…especially those “fresh” dye free marciano cherries! I love raspberries and choclate.
I want to send something to Jenn world. Would you email me your address?
My Oz friend doesn’t know it yet but I know what she’s sending me for my B-day this year–I am a coconut SLUT and to have it with cherries and choc together sounds just heavenly.
I truly appreciate how dedicated you are in your continuing research for us all~
And Colin never looked better than with his new second wife!
I’m not a big fan of cherries and chocolate but I do love nuts and chocolate. Do you have any favorites that we’ll be hearing about soon?
I’m not a huge fan of cherries in chocolate. Not sure why, just never have really liked the taste.