CHOCOLATE-COVERED CHERRIES

Chocolate-Covered Cherries image

Not only is this my family's favorite festive dessert, but it makes a delicious holiday present, too. Best of all, you can (and should) prepare these ahead. The candy gets better as it's stored, with the centers becoming even juicier. -Linda Hammerich, Bonanza, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 25m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 jars (8 ounces each) maraschino cherries with stems, well drained
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine the sugar, butter, milk and extract. Knead until smooth and pliable. Shape into 1-in. balls and flatten each into a 2-in. circle. , Wrap one circle around each cherry and lightly roll in hands. Place with stems up on waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. , In a microwave, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Holding on to the stems, dip cherries into chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper until set. Store in a covered container. Refrigerate 1-2 weeks before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 206 calories, Fat 10g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 7mg cholesterol, Sodium 28mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (31g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.