GINGERED CRANBERRY-ORANGE BALLS

GINGERED CRANBERRY-ORANGE BALLS image

Provided by Loretta Jasper

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 6 oz package of dried cranberries
1 16 oz gingersnap cookies, finely crushed
1 3/4 c ground , toasted, pecans or walnuts
1/3 c icing sugar/powdered sugar
1 Tbsp finely shredded orange peel
1/2 c orange juice
1/3 c butter, melted
2 Tbsp very finely chopped crystallized ginger
2 1/2 c white baking pieces
1 Tbsp shortening

Steps:

1. LINE TWO LARGE COOKIE SHEETS with wax paper, set aside....finely chop 1/3 cup of the dried cranberries, and set aside..then coarsely chop the remaining cranberries...
2. IN A LARGE BOWL: combine the coarsely chopped cranberries, crushed gingersnaps, ground pecans, powdered sugar, and orange peel.
3. Add: orange juice and melted butter and stir until well mixed... Shape mixture into 1 inch balls...
4. Place the balls onto the prepared cookie sheets, and let stand about 1 hour, or until dry... In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped cranberries and crystallized ginger, and set aside...
5. FOR THE COATING: In a small heavy saucepan...combine baking pieces and shortening... Cook and stir over medium low heat until melted... Remove from heat...and dip the balls in the melted mixture, turning each ball to coat completely... Return coated balls to the cookie sheets...Sprinkle with the cranberry ginger mixture...
6. Let stand for 15 to 30 minues or until coating is set... This recipe makes about 60 balls....