COCONUT CHOCOLATE-COVERED CHERRIES

Coconut Chocolate-Covered Cherries image

A friend gave me this recipe because she knew how much I like chocolate-covered cherries. Coconut and nuts make this version absolutely divine.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 25m

Yield about 5 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
2 cups finely chopped walnuts
2 jars (16 ounces each) maraschino cherries with stems, well drained and patted dry
2 packages (11-1/2 ounces each) milk chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening

Steps:

In a large bowl, beat butter and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Beat in milk and vanilla until well blended and mixture looks like softened butter. Fold in the coconut and walnuts. , With moist hands, shape 2 teaspoonfuls of coconut mixture around each cherry, forming a ball. Place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until chilled., In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip coated cherries into chocolate. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 131 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 6mg cholesterol, Sodium 31mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.