Stuffed Cherries Dipped in Chocolate

I make these delectable cherry treats in early summer when the cherries are ripe and plentiful. A summertime favorite, they freeze very nicely and are a wonderful treat to serve later in the season.

—Judy Bond, Duncan, BC

PREP: 45 MIN. • MAKES: 5 DOZEN

• 1 ½ lbs. fresh dark sweet cherries with stems
• 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
• 2 Tbsp. ground hazelnuts
• 2 Tbsp. maple syrup
• 2 cups white baking chips
• 12 tsp. shortening, divided
• 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips
• 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips

1. 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.
2. 2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt white chips and 5 tsp. 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 ½ tsp. shortening. Repeat with semisweet chips and remaining shortening.
3. 3. 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.
4. 4. 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.

1 CHOCOLATE-DIPPED CHERRY: 105 cal., 7g fat (4g sat. fat), 6mg chol., 20mg sod., 11g carb. (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g pro. DIABETIC EXCHANGES: 1 starch, 1 fat.