I'll admit it; when I was younger, I didn't care for dark chocolate covered cherries. In fact, I didn't have much of a taste for cherries at all, or dark chocolate for that matter! Like most young folks, I was more drawn in by the super sweet stuff; candy that might have mentioned something reminiscent of a fruit in the name, but certainly didn't contain any actual fruit inside. But it was a different story altogether when it came to my mother. I'll never forget how much my mom loved gourmet dark chocolate covered cherries, and they were a reliable, go-to gift for her for Valentine's Day, Christmas, and her birthday. She would eat them slowly, savoring each bite, and not one to hide her appreciation, was known to comment throughout the snacking experience. It wasn't uncommon to hear, 'Oh, these are just too good,' or, 'Mmm, mmm, mmm, I'm glad you kids don't like these ' more for me!' My brother and I simply didn't get it. How could she enjoy dark chocolate covered cherries so much when there was milk chocolate and gummy candy to be eaten' Well, we didn't understand then, but we certainly understand now. I'm sure there are some children who would appreciate the fine flavor of gourmet dark chocolate covered cherries, but in my personal experience, they are a treat that I grew to appreciate. I certainly can't claim that my palate is completely refined, as I still enjoy many of the super sweet treats I did as a child, but it has come a long way! While I didn't want anything to do with dark chocolate, cherries, or the combination of the two in dark chocolate covered cherries when I was a kid, you couldn't get me to stop eating them today if you tried. I treat myself to them regularly, and send them to family and friends for all sorts of occasions. I am drawn to dark chocolate covered cherries in part for their nostalgic quality ' how they remind me of my mother and my childhood. But even without those warm memories, I don't think there would be any denying the terrific taste, texture, and overall indulgent experience of these perfectly sweet and tart treats. Wrapped in a rich Belgian chocolate, they are an escape from the stresses of the day. They tantalize my taste buds, add a little sparkle to my eye, and remind me that it truly is the little things that count. Maybe as a child I simply wasn't ready for everything dark chocolate covered cherries have to offer. But I certainly am now!
