Cherry Ripe (No Bake)

This is one of the most requested item by my Aussie husband. Since we started picking fresh cherries last summer, all he can think of is cherry ripe which is a chocolate bar filled with coconut and ofcourse cherries. So this year I gave it a try and it tastes reasonably good. This one may as well be a keeper!

Ingredients

• 750g pitted cherries

• 10ml vanilla extract.(Can be skipped)

• 30g sugar

• 180g dessicated cocnut

• 3-4 tbp coconut oil

• pinch of fine salt

• 200g dark choc

Instructions

1. In a pan, mix cherries with sugar and muddle them a bit with a fork or potato masher. This helps them to release their juices. Not necessary but reduces the time on stove.

2. Now keep this pan on low to medium heat for 30-35 mins. If using vanilla, this is time to add in.

3. We are looking for a jammy consistency. Once done, let it cool.

4. Later in a food processor, add coconut flakes, cherry jam and mix well. Look for a crumbly mixture, not too fine. Some texture is good. On last spin, add dash of salt.

5. Line parchment paper in a square cake pan or bread pan. Pour in the mixture

6. Press it firmly with a spatula or a glassto pack it closely. The height can be anything you like. If too thick, the chocolate layer would feel less intense.

7. Put in freezer for atleast 4 hours. Longer is better.

8. Take out of freezer and do slices using a long knife. Run knife under hot water and then slice , makes it easy.

9. Using double broiler melt coconut oil and chopped chocolate together. Can use microwave but use a large mouth bowl to ensure easy dipping of slices.

10. Using a fork dip each cherry slice in chocolate, dunk it really! and line up on the parchment paper.

11. Let it freeze again or another 4-5 hours and our cherry ripe is ready.