This chocolaty treat can be gift-wrapped easily and is sure to win over some hearts this Valentine's Day.

Chocolate-coated Maraschino Cherries Sprinkled with Macadamia Nuts

½ cup macadamia nuts
4 ounces chopped chocolate (60%-70% cocoa)
24 maraschino cherries

In a food processor, chop the macadamia nuts; set aside. Chop chocolate into fine bits.

Set aside one-third of the chocolate. In a double boiler, melt the other two-thirds of the chocolate until completely liquidized. Remove chocolate from heat, and place bowl on a cold towel or in an ice bath briefly to stop the cooking process.

Place the bowl of chocolate on a sturdy surface, and slowly add reserved chocolate while stirring; this is called seeding the chocolate. Continue to seed chocolate until the temperature is slightly lower than your body temperature (Touch chocolate to your lower lip; it should feel slightly cool).

Dip cherries in chocolate and place on a parchment-covered baking sheet. Quickly sprinkle macadamia nuts onto chocolate before it hardens.

Source: National Cherry Growers & Industries Foundation