National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day

National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day, observed January 3rd, celebrates the classic confection of a whole cherry, often preserved in syrup or liqueur, enrobed in chocolate with a soft, liquid or fondant-like center. The treat became especially popular in the United States in the early-to-mid 20th century as boxed chocolates grew into a mainstream gift category, with chocolate-covered cherries becoming a staple of holiday gift boxes and Valentine's Day assortments thanks to their festive red-and-brown color combination. The soft, syrupy center is achieved through a process called "invertase" fermentation, in which an enzyme added to the fondant slowly liquefies the sugar around the cherry after it's coated in chocolate, so the candy actually improves in texture over a few weeks of storage. Falling just after the winter holidays, National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day gives candy lovers another reason to enjoy leftover holiday chocolates or seek out fresh ones. Celebrations are simple: enjoying store-bought or homemade chocolate-covered cherries, baking cherry-and-chocolate desserts, or gifting a box to a loved one.