Chocolate Covered Cherries

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

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, butter, milk and extract; mix well.

2. 2

   Knead into a large ball.

3. 3

   Roll into 1-inch balls and flatten each into a 2-inch circle.

4. 4

   Wrap around cherries and lightly roll in hands.

5. 5

   Place with stems up on waxed paper-lined baking sheet.

6. 6

   Cover loosely and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

7. 7

   Melt the chocolate chips and shortening in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl.

8. 8

   Holding on to stem, dip cherries into chocolate; set on waxed paper to harden.

9. 9

   Store in a covered container.

10. 10

    Refrigerate 1-2 weeks before serving.

11. 11

    Yield: about 3 dozen.