Cherry Peanut Butter Balls

• butter↗1⁄2 cup

  softened (no substitutes)

• peanut butter↗1 cup
• vanilla extract↗1 teaspoon
• confectioners' sugar↗2 cups
• maraschino cherries↗24 -26

  with stems

• additional confectioners' sugar↗
• semi-sweet chocolate chips↗2 cups
• shortening↗1⁄4 cup

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   In a small mixing bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter and vanilla; mix well.

2. 2

   Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar.

3. 3

   Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

4. 4

   Pat cherries dry with paper towel.

5. 5

   Dust hands with additional confectioners' sugar.

6. 6

   Wrap each cherry with a rounded tablespoon full of peanut butter mixture; shape into a ball (Peanut butter mixture may need to be refrigerated occasionally while rolling cherries.).

7. 7

   Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

8. 8

   In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth.

9. 9

   Dip peanut butter balls in chocolate; place on waxed paper.

10. 10

    Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until set.