Chocolate Fruit Balls

Step 1: Finely chop cherries, and then pat dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, whisk egg.

Step 2: Gradually whisk in sugar until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Using a wooden spoon, stir in peanut butter until well mixed. Then stir in pecans, dates, coconut and cherries until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.

Step 5: Pinch off about 1 teaspoon mixture and roll into a ball.

Step 6: Place on baking sheet. Continue with remaining mixture.

Step 7: Refrigerate or freeze until firm, about 1 hour.

Step 8: Coarsely chop chocolate and place in a small bowl with butter.

Step 9: Microwave on medium, stirring halfway through, until chocolate is almost melted, 2 to 3 minute, then stir until smooth.

Step 10: Remove balls from refrigerator.

Step 11: Poke a fork or wooden skewer into a ball.

Step 12: Dip into melted chocolate to completely coat, then lightly tap fork on edge of bowl to remove excess.

Step 13: Place ball on parchment.

Step 14: Repeat with remaining balls.

Step 15: Refrigerate until chocolate sets, at least 1 hour, before serving or storing.

Step 16: If making ahead, place balls in a sealed container and refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze up to 2 months.