Fresh Cherries Dipped in Dark Chocolate with Edible Flowers

A series of unfortunate events led me to a farm in Knysna. I now live off-grid in a small cabin surrounded by trees, birds, butterflies & the occasional snake. It is beautiful here. I think nothing quite soothes your soul more than being surrounded by the natural world and just observing it. It re-calibrates your being and you are reminded of who you are and how you would like to move going forward in this world.

 

So, for our Christmas ‘braai’ on the farm, I made a sweet treat. I made a batch of fresh cherries (they were in season) and dipped them in some dark chocolate mixed with a little bit of melted coconut oil. I decorated them with fresh edible flowers and they tasted as good as they looked. with the crunchy exterior of the chocolate and the sweet juicy inside makes this a fabulous treat!

I bought two slabs of dark chocolate from our convenient store (R18) called Cadbury Bournville. It might not have the best of ingredients but it worked perfectly as a last minute resort.

Reasons why you should make them:

• Visual Appeal: The combination of vibrant cherries, rich dark chocolate, and colorful edible flowers creates a visually stunning presentation that is sure to impress.
• Flavour Explosion: Experience the delightful contrast of sweet, juicy cherries with the decadent richness of dark chocolate, complemented by the subtle floral notes of the edible flowers.
• Elegance Factor: Elevate your dessert game with this elegant and sophisticated treat, perfect for special occasions or a luxurious indulgence.
• Health Benefits: Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, while dark chocolate contains flavonoids that may offer various health benefits, making this dessert a guilt-free pleasure.
• Customisable: Get creative and personalize your dessert by choosing different varieties of cherries and edible flowers, allowing you to tailor the flavours and colours to your taste preferences.
• Simple Yet Impressive: Despite its elegant appearance, this dessert is surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.
• Shareable Delight: Whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends or treating yourself to a solo indulgence, sharing this delightful dessert is sure to bring joy and create lasting memories.
• Seasonal Sensation: Take advantage of the peak cherry season to enjoy this fresh and seasonal dessert, celebrating the bounty of nature’s harvest.
• Culinary Adventure: Embark on a culinary adventure and explore the art of combining flavours and textures to create a truly memorable dessert experience.
• Joy of Creation: There’s something deeply satisfying about crafting a beautiful and delicious dessert from scratch, and sharing the fruits of your labour with loved ones adds an extra layer of joy to the experience.

Health benefits of fresh cherries

Incorporating fresh cherries into your diet can provide a wide range of health benefits, making them a delicious and nutritious addition to your daily meals and snacks. They are full of fibre, protein, vitamin C, potassium & copper.

1. Rich in Antioxidants: Cherries are packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins, quercetin, and catechins, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The antioxidants and phytochemicals found in cherries have been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes.
3. Supports Heart Health: Cherries are a good source of heart-healthy nutrients like potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
4. May Aid in Sleep: Cherries contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Consuming cherries or cherry juice may help improve sleep quality and duration, making them a natural remedy for insomnia and sleep disorders.
5. Exercise Recovery: Studies suggest that cherries, particularly tart cherries, may help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation after intense exercise, speeding up recovery time and improving athletic performance.
6. Supports Brain Health: The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in cherries may help protect brain cells from damage and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological disorders.
7. May Help with Weight Management: Cherries are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a filling and nutritious snack option that can help promote feelings of fullness and aid in weight management.
8. Supports Digestive Health: The fiber content in cherries helps promote regular bowel movements and supports digestive health by preventing constipation and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
9. Anti-Cancer Properties: Some research suggests that the antioxidants and bioactive compounds in cherries may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including colon, breast, and prostate cancer.
10. Promotes Skin Health: The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in cherries can help promote healthy skin by protecting against oxidative damage, reducing inflammation, and supporting collagen production.

What you would need:

1. Fresh cherries, washed and dried
2. Dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (about 1 cup)
3. Edible flowers (such as pansies, roses, or violets)
4. Optional toppings: chopped nuts, shredded coconut, sea salt
5. Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for lining the baking sheet
6. Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler for melting the chocolate
7. Baking sheet or tray for placing the chocolate-dipped cherries
8. Optional: Salad spinner or paper towels for drying the cherries and edible flowers
9. Optional: Small bowls or plates for holding toppings
10. Optional: Kitchen utensils for stirring and handling the chocolate (spatula, spoon, etc.)

Why grow your own edible flowers?

Before we get into the delicious details, let’s chat about something fun—growing your own edible flowers! Can you imagine strolling through your garden and plucking colourful blooms to adorn your dishes? It’s like creating your own personal oasis of flavour and beauty right in your backyard. Here I am growing some dianthus edible flowers and I love using them in salads or chocolates.

Most dianthus have a pleasant spicy, floral, clove-like taste, especially the more fragrant varieties, and are ideal for decorating or adding to cakes. They’ll also make a colourful garnish to soups, salads and the punch bowl.

The health benefits of dianthus include its ability to reduce inflammation, improve respiratory health, boost the immune system, reduce stress, improve digestion, and protect the heart. It is also known to have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which can help to protect against infections.

We should be eating more flowers! They are good for you.

Recipe

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