Peanut Butter Holiday Creams - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. butter, softened
4 c. unsifted confectioners sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
2/3 c. finely chopped red or green candied cherries or finely chopped pecans
12 oz. peanut butter chips
2 Tbsp. solid vegetable shortening (not oil, butter or margarine)

Preparation

A candy thermometer is necessary for this recipe.