Cordial Cherries

Ingredients

• 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries with stems
• 1/2 cup brandy (optional)
• 1 (8-ounce) package semisweet chocolate baking squares, chopped

Preparation

1. Drain maraschino cherries, and return to jar. Pour brandy, if desired, in jar; cover with a lid, and freeze 8 hours. Drain cherries, and pat dry, reserving brandy for another use.
2. Melt two-thirds of chocolate baking squares in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until a candy thermometer reaches 115°. Remove from heat; add remaining chocolate, and stir until candy thermometer reaches 89° and chocolate is smooth.
3. Dip cherries quickly into melted chocolate, coating well. Place cherries on wax paper, stem sides up, and cool.