The Cherry Mash Candy is a delicious and nostalgic treat that has been enjoyed by generations. This candy features a sweet cherry-flavored center surrounded by a rich chocolate coating. It is a perfect combination of fruity and chocolatey flavors, making it a popular choice for those with a sweet tooth.
Originating in the Midwest, the Cherry Mash Candy was first made in 1918 by George Smith, Sr. in his family’s kitchen. Since then, it has become a beloved confection and is now available in stores across the United States. Making Cherry Mash Candy at home allows you to customize the flavors and create a batch of this delectable treat to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
The Cherry Mash Candy recipe requires only a few simple ingredients that can easily be found at your local grocery store. Here are the main ingredients you will need:
- Maraschino cherries – The star of this candy, maraschino cherries add a burst of sweet and tangy flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk – This thick and creamy milk adds a rich and decadent texture to the candy.
- Powdered sugar – Used to sweeten and thicken the candy mixture.
- Butter – Adds flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the candy.
- Salt – A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
- Almond extract – This optional ingredient adds a subtle almond flavor to the candy.
- Chocolate chips – Used for coating the candy.
- Shortening – A small amount of shortening is added to the coating to help it melt smoothly and create a shiny finish.
With these simple ingredients, you can easily make delicious Cherry Mash Candy at home. The combination of sweet cherries, creamy filling, and chocolate coating makes for a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion.
Step-by-step instructions for making Cherry Mash Candy
To make Cherry Mash Candy, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of cherry chips
- 1 cup of peanut butter
- 2 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 cup of chopped peanuts
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 4 ounces of chocolate almond bark
Here are the steps to follow:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the cherry chips and butter together in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Stir in the peanut butter, powdered sugar, chopped peanuts, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper and pour the mixture into the dish. Spread evenly and press down firmly.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate almond bark in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the cherry mixture in the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the candy to set.
- Once the candy has hardened, remove it from the dish and cut into squares or rectangles.
- Enjoy your homemade Cherry Mash Candy!
Advice from Professional Chefs on Making Cherry Mash Candy
When it comes to making Cherry Mash Candy, professional chefs have some valuable tips to help you achieve the best results. Here are a few expert pieces of advice:
- Use high-quality ingredients: To ensure a delicious and visually appealing Cherry Mash Candy, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. Opt for fresh cherries and premium chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
- Chill the cherries: Before incorporating the cherries into the candy mixture, make sure to chill them in the refrigerator. This will help the cherries maintain their shape and prevent them from melting too quickly during the cooking process.
- Properly temper the chocolate: Tempering the chocolate is crucial for achieving a smooth and glossy finish on the Cherry Mash Candy. Follow the recommended tempering technique, which typically involves melting the chocolate, cooling it slightly, and then gradually reheating it to the desired temperature.
By following these expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating delectable Cherry Mash Candy that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Reviews
I recently tried the Cherry Mash Candy recipe and I must say, it was a delightful experience. As a food enthusiast, I always look for unique and interesting recipes to try, and this one definitely caught my attention.
The combination of cherries, chocolate, and nuts in the Cherry Mash Candy is truly a winning combination. The cherries give it a sweet and tangy flavor, while the nuts add a nice crunch. The chocolate coating adds a rich and decadent touch to the candy, making it irresistible.
I found the recipe to be fairly easy to follow, with clear instructions and minimal ingredients. The most time-consuming part was waiting for the candy to set, but the end result was definitely worth the wait. The candy turned out to be perfectly sweet and had a nice balance of flavors.
I would highly recommend trying the Cherry Mash Candy recipe to anyone who loves sweet and fruity treats. Whether you’re a fan of cherries or just looking to try something new, this candy is sure to satisfy your taste buds. It’s a perfect treat to enjoy on a cozy evening or to share with friends and family.
I recently tried the Cherry Mash Candy and I must say, it quickly became one of my all-time favorite treats. The combination of sweet cherry-flavored filling, rich chocolate coating, and crunchy peanuts is simply irresistible.
The first thing that struck me was the vibrant red color of the cherry filling. It looked so appetizing and inviting. As soon as I took my first bite, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors. The cherry filling was perfectly sweet and tart, with a hint of natural fruitiness that made it taste incredibly fresh.
But what really sets the Cherry Mash Candy apart from other chocolates is the inclusion of peanuts. The crunchiness of the peanuts adds a delightful texture and complements the sweetness of the cherry filling and chocolate coating. It’s a truly harmonious combination that keeps me coming back for more.
The candy also has a generous layer of rich chocolate, which provides a smooth and velvety taste that balances out the sweetness. The chocolate coating simply melts in your mouth, leaving a lingering cocoa flavor that is absolutely divine.
I highly recommend the Cherry Mash Candy to anyone who loves the combination of fruit and chocolate. It’s a delicious treat that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your craving for something crunchy. Whether you enjoy it as a snack or as a special indulgence, this candy never fails to delight.
I recently had the pleasure of trying the Cherry Mash Candy recipe and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. As someone who loves all things cherry, this candy was an absolute delight. The combination of the rich chocolate coating and the sweet cherry nougat filling created a perfect balance of flavors.
What really stood out to me was the texture of the candy. The nougat was soft and chewy, while the chopped peanuts added a nice crunch. The cherry center was incredibly smooth and creamy, giving each bite a luxurious feel. It was like biting into a little piece of heaven.
Not only was the taste amazing, but the presentation of the Cherry Mash Candy was also impressive. The deep red color of the cherry nougat truly popped against the dark chocolate coating, making it a visually appealing treat. It would make a great addition to any dessert table or a thoughtful homemade gift for any cherry lover.
The Cherry Mash Candy is a delightful treat that I recently had the pleasure of making and tasting. As a lover of all things cherry, I was immediately drawn to this recipe, and it did not disappoint. The candy is made up of a rich, chocolaty coating that perfectly complements the sweet and tangy cherry center.
Preparing the Cherry Mash Candy was a fun and enjoyable experience. The recipe was easy to follow, and the ingredients were readily available. I loved the process of melting the chocolate and mixing it with the chopped cherries and nuts. The result was a smooth and creamy mixture that was a joy to work with.
The final product was a true delight to taste. The chocolate coating had a satisfying crunch, and the cherry center was bursting with flavor. The combination of the sweet cherries and the slightly bitter chocolate was a match made in heaven. I especially enjoyed the addition of the chopped nuts, which added a nice texture and depth of flavor.
I would highly recommend the Cherry Mash Candy to anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and cherries. It is a delicious and indulgent treat that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you are making it for yourself or gifting it to someone special, this candy is a winner.
I recently tried the Cherry Mash Candy recipe and it was absolutely delicious! As someone who loves cherries and chocolate, this treat was the perfect combination of both flavors. The cherry-flavored filling was sweet and tangy, and the chocolate coating was rich and smooth. It was like biting into a little piece of heaven!
The recipe was fairly simple to follow, and I was able to make a batch in no time. The ingredients were easily accessible and the instructions were clear. I appreciated that the recipe provided different options for the chocolate coating, allowing me to choose based on my preference. I opted for semi-sweet chocolate, which complemented the sweet cherry filling perfectly.
The final result was a batch of Cherry Mash Candy that looked and tasted just like the store-bought version, but even better! The candy had a beautiful glossy appearance, and the bright red filling really stood out against the dark chocolate coating. Each bite was a burst of sweet cherry flavor, followed by the smooth and creamy chocolate. I couldn’t resist eating more than one!
