Chocolate-Covered Cherries - cooking recipe

Ingredients

60 maraschino cherries with stems
2 c. confectioners sugar
3 Tbsp. butter, softened (no substitutes)
3 Tbsp. light corn syrup
1/4 tsp. salt
2 c. (12-oz) semisweet chocolate chips
2 Tbsp. shortening

Preparation

Pat cherries dry with paper towels; set aside.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt; mix well.
Knead until smooth.
Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Roll into 1/2 inch balls; flatten each into a 2 inch circle.
Wrap each circle around a cherry and lightly roll in hands.
Place cherries with stems up on waxed paper-lined baking sheets.
Cover loosely and refrigerate for 1 hour.
In a microwave or heavy saucepan, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth.
Holding onto the stem, dip each cherry into chocolate; set on waxed paper. Refrigerate until hardened.
Store in a covered container. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 weeks before serving.
Yield:
5 dozen.