American Valentine's Day Candy Review

Pro tips

• Chill Cella's cherries before tasting for the best chocolate-to-liquid ratio; the cold firms the chocolate shell and slows the cherry's syrup from leaking.
• Madeline roses are decorative first, edible second—they're often kept as display pieces before being eaten, so handle gently to avoid fingerprints on the chocolate.
• Pair Cella's with a beverage to balance the sweetness; the cherry juice inside can be intense on its own.
• Store both candies away from strong odors and heat sources, as chocolate absorbs flavors easily and can bloom or lose shape at warm temperatures.

Storage & make-ahead

Store unopened boxes at room temperature in a cool, dry place; once opened, keep Cella's in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks for best texture.

What exactly is in Cella's chocolate-covered cherries?

Cella's features whole maraschino cherries surrounded by a liquid center, all encased in milk chocolate. The cherries are soft and the filling is syrupy.

How are Madeline milk chocolate roses different from other chocolate flowers?

Madeline roses are solid milk chocolate molded into a rose shape, designed as a decorative Valentine's gift rather than a filled chocolate. They're meant to be kept or eaten plain.

Can you eat Cella's cherries if you have a cherry allergy?

No. Cella's contain real maraschino cherries, so they are unsafe for anyone with cherry or fruit allergies.

Do these candies need to be refrigerated?

Both can be stored at room temperature, but Cella's cherries taste best chilled or at cool room temperature to prevent the chocolate from softening.

What's the shelf life of unopened Cella's and Madeline chocolates?

Both typically last 6-12 months unopened when stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.