Holiday Recipe Linky Party

Rowdy in First Grade is having a recipe linky party. Here is my post for my favorite (and very pretty) Cherry Shortbread Cookies..

White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies

             ½ c. maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped

             2 ½ c flour

             ½ c sugar

           1 c cold butter

           12 oz white choc baking squares, finely chopped

            ½ t almond extract

             2 drops red food coloring

             Sugar

            2 t shortening

          White nonpareils and/or red edible sprinkles

            Directions: Preheat oven to 325. Spread cherries on paper towels to

          Drain well. In a large bowl, stir together flour and the ½ c sugar. Using

          A  pastry blender, cut in the butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs.

           Stir in drained cherries and 4 oz (2/3 c) of the chopped white choc.

            Stir in almond extract and if desired, food coloring. Form mixture into

             A ball and knead until smooth. Shape dough into ¾ inch balls. Place balls

               2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Using the bottom  of a

             Drinking glass dipped in sugar, flatten balls to 1 ½ inch rounds. Bake for

           10-12 minutes, or until centers are set. Let stand for 1 minute on cookie

             Sheet. Transfer to wire rack to cool. In a plastic bag, melt remaining white

             Chocolate and 2 T shortening. Cute small opening and drizzle over

            Cookies. Sprinkle with sprinkles and nonpareils. Enjoy!

                 Makes about 60 small cookies.