Chocolate Covered Cherries - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine, softened
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 (8 ounce) jars maraschino cherries, with stems well drained
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 ounces)
2 tablespoons shortening

Preparation

In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, butter, milk and extract; mix well.
Knead into a large ball.
Roll into 1-inch balls and flatten each into a 2-inch circle.
Wrap around cherries and lightly roll in hands.
Place with stems up on waxed paper-lined baking sheet.
Cover loosely and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
Melt the chocolate chips and shortening in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl.
Holding on to stem, dip cherries into chocolate; set on waxed paper to harden.
Store in a covered container.
Refrigerate 1-2 weeks before serving.
Yield: about 3 dozen.