Cherry Cordials

### Instructions for Making Cherry Cordials:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
1. **Drain the cherries**: Open the jar of maraschino cherries and drain them thoroughly. Then, gently pat them dry using paper towels. This step is crucial because any excess moisture can cause the chocolate coating to not adhere properly.

#### Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
1. **Cream the butter**: In a mixing bowl, beat the **softened butter** using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. **Add the syrup and vanilla**: Add the **corn syrup**, **vanilla extract**, and a **pinch of salt** to the butter and mix until well combined.
3. **Add powdered sugar**: Gradually add the **powdered sugar** to the mixture, stirring until smooth and the filling has a thick, fudge-like consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more corn syrup to adjust the texture.

#### Step 3: Coat the Cherries
1. **Form the centers**: Take each cherry and roll it in the creamy filling mixture. You want to cover each cherry with a thick layer of filling, leaving just the stem exposed. Once the cherry is covered, set it aside on a parchment-lined tray. Repeat this process until all cherries are coated.
2. **Chill the cherries**: Place the tray with the cherries in the refrigerator and allow them to chill for about **30 minutes** to firm up the filling.

#### Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
1. **Melt the chocolate**: In a heatproof bowl, melt the **chocolate** along with the **coconut oil** or vegetable shortening. You can do this either over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
2. **Coat the cherries**: Once the filling has hardened, take each cherry and carefully dip it into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to hold the cherry, allowing excess chocolate to drip off, then place the dipped cherry back on the parchment-lined tray.
3. **Chill again**: After all the cherries are coated, place the tray back in the refrigerator and allow them to chill for at least **1 hour** or until the chocolate is completely set.

#### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
1. **Serve**: Once the chocolate has fully hardened, your **Cherry Cordials** are ready to be enjoyed. You can serve them as a delightful dessert or gift them in a beautiful box as a homemade treat for the holidays.
2. **Store**: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These treats will stay fresh for up to a week.

### Tips for Perfect Cherry Cordials:
– **Use high-quality chocolate**: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality chocolate. Semi-sweet or milk chocolate are popular choices, but you can also experiment with dark chocolate if you prefer a less sweet treat.
– **Customize your filling**: While the classic cherry cordial uses a vanilla cream filling, feel free to get creative! You could add **almond extract** for a slightly nutty flavor or try **orange zest** for a citrusy twist.
– **Get creative with coatings**: Once the chocolate has set, you can drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for a decorative effect, or roll the dipped cherries in **crushed nuts** or **sprinkles** for extra texture.
– **Use fresh cherries**: If you want to go beyond maraschino cherries, fresh or frozen cherries can be used. Just make sure to pit and dry them thoroughly before dipping.

### Why You Should Make Cherry Cordials at Home:
While store-bought cherry cordials can be found around the holidays, homemade versions are far superior in flavor and texture. The **creamy filling**, **juicy cherry**, and **rich chocolate coating** are so much fresher and more decadent when made from scratch. Plus, the homemade touch allows you to customize every aspect of the recipe, from the type of chocolate to the sweetness of the filling.

Making **Cherry Cordials** is a fun project that can be shared with family and friends. The result is a treat that’s both visually appealing and utterly delicious—perfect for special occasions, holiday celebrations, or as a sweet personal indulgence. Whether you’re gifting them or keeping them all for yourself, these homemade cherry cordials are sure to be a hit!