Chocolate-Covered Cherries - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1 1/2 tsp. shortening
vegetable cooking spray
about 30 maraschino cherries with stems

Preparation

Up to 1 week ahead:
In double boiler, over hot, not boiling water, heat chocolate pieces and shortening until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth, stirring frequently.
Meanwhile, spray large cookie sheet with vegetable spray.
When chocolate is melted, pat cherries dry with paper towels.
Hold 1 cherry by the stem and dip into chocolate mixture to coat completely.
Shake off excess chocolate; place on cookie sheet.
Repeat with remaining cherries.