Karadin's Dark Chocolate Cherry Fudge

[karadinart]

*can be made in an chocolate-orange version
and just chocolate version

6oz bittersweet (not unsweetened) chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup marshmallow creme (or 5 regular sized marshmallows)
1oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup cherry preserves
1/3 cup whipping cream
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2/3 cup dried tart cherries

line 9x5x3 inch loaf pan with foil and lightly butter

Place first four ingredients in medium glass or metal bowl, set aside.

Mix sugar, condensed milk, cherry preserves, whipping cream, 1/3 cup water and butter in heavy medium saucepan.
Stir over med-low heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves, occasionally wipe down sides of pan with wet pastry brush to dissolve crystals. Add dried cherries

Attach candy thermometer to sides of pan. Increase heat to med-high.
Boil until thermometer reaches 230 degrees Fahrenheit. stirring constantly and slowly, titling pan so that bulb of thermometer is submerged if necessary, about 17 minutes.

Immediately pour hot syrup over chocolate mixture in bowl (do not scrape saucepan) using wooden spoon, stir until chocolate melts and fudge thickens slightly but remains glossy, about 3 minutes.

Pour into prepared pan, smooth top. chill until firm, about 3 hours.

Lift fudge from pan with foil, peel down foil and cut into 24 pieces-can be made 2 weeks ahead.

Refrigerate in airtight container.

Let sit at room temp for 30 minutes before serving.

*for chocolate version omit cherry preserves and dried cherries
**for chocolate orange version- substitute same amount tart orange marmalade for cherry preserves,and same amount finely chopped candied orange peel for dried cherries