Melt the chocolate on low power in a small bowl in the microwave – this should take about 2 minutes, but be sure to check it every 20 seconds or so – then set it aside to cool slightly.

In a separate small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt, and then in a small glass jug, whisk together the buttermilk, egg and vanilla and set aside.

Put the butter and sugar in your electric mixer and beat on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until it’s fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.  Then with the mixer on low, add 1/3 of the flour mixture, then 1/2 of the buttermilk mixture, repeating with both and ending with the last of the flour mixture – stop as necessary to scrape down the bowl.

Add the chocolate and blend until well combined and then stir in the cherries by hand.  Bake for 35-40 minutes.