icy nights & retro bites

Being stranded in a one-bedroom apartment due to inclement weather for 24+ hours is only manageable if red wine and chocolate are involved.

Words to live by?

Although my vino stash was drained dry, my eyes lit up as I was reminded of my stash of fine bittersweet, semi sweet and dark chocolates.

A few minutes later, my eyes rested on almond slivers and a retro jar of sugary maraschino cherries nestled amongst condiments in the fridge.

I grabbed a package of skewers and threw these simple bites together-- a perfect treat for a snow day!

These tiny bites are a lovely combination of salty,

just-toasted almonds, bittersweet chocolate and whimsical maraschinos:

Chocolate & Toasted Almond Maraschino Cherry Bites

yields approximately 15 skewers

4 oz fine bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1/2 c slivered almonds

1/4 t pure almond extract (optional)

1/2 c maraschino cherries, drained

skewers to stack cherries

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and set

water on to heat for a double boiler.

Arrange almonds in a single layer on a sheet pan.

Toast approximately 4-5 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Let cool then chop finely.

Over the simmering double boiler, heat chocolate in a bowl until melted evenly and glossy. Remove from heat and stir in almond extract.

Arrange two cherries to the end of each skewer.

Dip the top half of first cherry in melted chocolate then dip in chopped almonds.

Set on wax or parchment paper and chill to harden.

e n j o y !

Look for more Valentine-inspired

and romantic treats for two coming soon...