Southern posted 12-14-98 8:25 AM
CHOCOLATE-COVERED CHERRIES
2-1/2 cups confectioners sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
16 oz. maraschino cherries with stems (drain well)
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening
Mix sugar, butter, milk, and almond extract, kneading into a large ball. Roll into 1-inch balls, then flatten each ball into a 2-inch circle. Wrap one circle around each cherry, lightly shaping with hands. Place stem up on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper, then cover loosely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. (Overnight is okay, too.)
Melt chocolate chips and shortening together in microwave or a double boiler. Holding onto stem, dip each cherry into
chocolate, then place on a baking sheet lined with waxed
paper to harden. Store in covered container. The longer they sit, the juicier the center will be.