Cherry season is in full bloom, and this dessert is a real crowd
pleaser at small gatherings such as patio parties, book clubs or intimate bridal and baby
showers. This chocolatey, sweet treat will tempt even the most disciplined of
us. If cherry is your go-to fruit that makes your mouth think you’ve swallowed
a piece of heaven, then read on if you dare to concoct this sinful chunk of
bliss.
CHOCOLATE CHERRY
CHUNK LOAF
A bit of butter
for greasing the loaf pan
all-purpose flour
powder
or caster sugar
yogurt 3 large eggs
lightly beaten
vegetable oil
chocolate chips
chopped, use less if you prefer
Preheat oven to
350° F (175° C or 165° for fan ovens, Gas Mark 4).
Grease a 2 lb. (8
½ x 4 ¼ x 2 ½ inch) loaf pan.
Remove the pits
from the cherries and cut each one in half. Place cherries in a small bowl,
sprinkle the 1 teaspoon flour over top and toss gently.
Sift 1¼ cups
flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl.
Stir in sugar,
chocolate chips, and walnuts. Set dry ingredients aside.
In a large bowl,
whisk together yogurt, eggs, vanilla, and oil.
Add yogurt mixture
to dry ingredients. Beat with a wooden spoon until all the flour is mixed in
and the batter is smooth.
Gently fold in the
flour-coated cherries.
Pour batter into prepared
loaf pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until cake tester inserted in the center of
the cake comes out clean.
Cool in pan for 20
minutes, then remove cake and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
THE GLAZE
confectioner’s sugar
cherry juice
coloring, optional
Pour icing sugar
into a bowl. Whisk in maraschino cherry juice.
Gradually whisk in
water, a drop or two at a time, until a smooth, drizzle-able consistency is
reached.
Whisk in food
coloring, if using.
Here’s a glimpse of the premises of both my young adult series:
The Last Timekeepers Time Travel Adventures
Children are the key to our future. And now, they are the only hope for our past.
Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers-legendary time travelers sworn to keep history from the evil Belial-five classmates are sent into the past to restore balance, and bring order back into the world, one mission at a time.
