Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

Cookies

* 1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup shortening
* 1 egg
* 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
* 2 tablespoons milk
* 2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
* 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
* 18 large marshmallows
* 36 walnut halves


DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).

2. Sift together flour, soda and salt and set aside.

3. Cream shortening and gradually add 2/3 cup brown sugar. Blend in 1 unbeaten egg. Beat well. Stir in HALF of the flour mixture.

4. Add 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice and 2 tablespoons milk. Stir in the remaining dry ingredients and mix well.

5. Blend in 2 squares of melted chocolate, walnuts, and maraschino cherries. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased baking sheets.

6. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

7. Cut the marshmallows in half and place cut side down on hot cookies. Cool on rack, frost and top each with a nut half.

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Frosting

* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 cup butter
* 2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
* 1/8 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar


DIRECTIONS:

1. In double boiler, over boiling water, cook the milk, butter, chocolate and salt until thick.

2. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and confectioner's sugar until of spreading consistency. Spread on cookies.