February 14th: Cream Filled Chocolates and Valentine Day

Chocolate Cherry Dips

½ of an 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

½ c. powdered sugar

¼ tsp. almond extract

½ c. finely chopped, drained maraschino cherries

60 vanilla wafers

12 oz. chocolate flavor candy coating, coarsely chopped

2 tsp. shortening

Red, green and/or white jimmies

For filling: in medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheese & powdered sugar with electric mixer on MEDIUM until smooth. Stir in cherries & almond extract. Spread filling on bottoms half of vanilla wafers. Top with remaining wafers, bottom sides down. Cover & chill about 30 minutes or until filling is firm. In medium saucepan, cook & stir chocolate candy coating & 2 tsp. shortening over LOW heat until melted & smooth. Remove from heat. Using fork, dip each sandwich cookie in melted chocolate, turning to coat completely & letting excess coating drip back into pan. Place dipped cookies on sheet of waxed paper. Sprinkle with jimmies. Let stand about 30 minutes or until chocolate coating is set. Makes 30.

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