Cherry Ripe Power Balls

Growing up, our family had a regular Sunday night ritual. After dinner, Dad would present four chocolates of different varieties to the family, with instructions that we could each choose one. We’d then sit down to some TV time as a family, and noting the era, we probably watched an episode of The Wonder Years, Xena Warrior Princess or, perhaps, Home Improvement.

Generally Dad presented a mars bar, a crunchie bar, a picnic and a cherry ripe. Or, if he was feeling particularly creative, maybe a curly wurly or a kit kat.  And generally there were no arguments when it came time to choose, with each family member having their preferred variety of sugar hit.

Dad would take the picnic bar, Mum would take the cherry ripe, and my brother and I would negotiate over whatever was left.

Although, if we were to have that ritual these days, I would almost certainly opt for the cherry ripe.

For dark chocolate + cherries = yes please!

These tasty little cherry ripe power balls use dates, dried cherries, coconut and cocoa to create a flavour combination that is not all that dissimilar to the ol’ cherry ripe bar.  They are rich, but not overly sweet.

They are, however, a lot healthier and definitely lunchbox friendly – as well as a tasty snack to reach for throughout the day.

What about you? What is your favourite chocolate bar?

Print Recipe
Cherry Ripe Power Balls
Course Baking
Cuisine Baking
Prep Time 15 minutes
Servings
balls
Course Baking
Cuisine Baking
Prep Time 15 minutes
Servings
balls
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients to a food processor, and process until well combined.
  2. Shape and roll into balls, and place on a paper-lined plate. Store in the fridge.
Share this Recipe

A work in progress Cherry Ripe Slice

As I mentioned yesterday, I recently had a craving for cherry ripes. Sadly, however, cherry ripes contain wheat, so I had look to get my cherry/chocolate/coconut elsewhere. Hence this cherry ripe slice came to be. cherry Normally when I am trying a new recipe or idea, I will spend a fair bit of time researching and modifying the recipe, until it has been sufficiently messed around with BBB-fied. However, on this occasion, the idea of making a cherry ripe slice came to me while already out and about, so I only had time to do a quick search on my iphone to pick up some key ingredients. Given the lack of baking time available, I also opted for a no-bake version. IMG_2713 Changed up to make it wheat free, of course. biscuits And, although the results were certainly tasty, they were just not as tasty as I am sure they could be. IMG_2717 I think that was due to the inclusion of too much copha, but I am sure I can create an even better version next time that uses nowhere near that amount (if any at all). IMG_2734 So, while I love the vibrant colours of this slice, and it was certainly an easy slice to prepare, I am labelling it a work in progress. IMG_2733 Oh and did I mention that this certainly a slice to eat in moderation! I believe the nutritional statistics would be rather questionable lol. IMG_2739 But, copha overload and nutritional statistics aside, did this slice cure my cherry ripe craving? IMG_2736   It sure did! But then again, how could the cherry/coconut/chocolate combination not! Cherry Ripe Slice – GF (a work in progress) –(adapted from here)

  • 100g Copha
  • 400g can sweetened condensed milk
  • 220g GF biscuits, processed into fine crumbs
  • Couple drops of pink food colouring
  • 100g pkt glace cherries, chopped
  • 2/3 cups desiccated coconut
  • 80g copha
  • 250g milk chocolate, broken into bits
  1. Grease and line a small slice pan with baking paper (allowing the edges to overhang)
  2. Heat copha in a small saucepan over a low heat, until melted. Remove from heat and stir in condensed milk.
  3. Place biscuit crumbs into a medium bowl. Add copha/condensed milk mixture and food colouring, stirring until well combined. Fold in coconut and chopped cherries.
  4. Press the biscuit mixture into the lined slice pan and set aside.
  5. Meanwhile, melt the remaining copha in a small saucepan. Add the chocolate, and stir until melted and well combined.
  6. Pour the chocolate over the slice, and place in the refrigerator to set.
  7. Once set, slice into pieces using a sharp knife and serve.

What about you? Do you ever cook with copha? I know it is good for "setting", but its composition and taste is a little weird for me….