Chocolate Covered Cherries*
1 (16 ounce) jar plus 1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries with stems (optionally soaked in rum or vodka)
3 Tbsp butter, softened
3 Tbsp light corn syrup
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1 (12 ounce) package semisweet chocolate morsels
1 Tbsp shortening
Drain about 50 cherries; pat cherries dry on absorbent paper towels, and set aside. Reserve remaining cherries for other uses.
Combine butter, syrup, and salt, stirring well; stir in powdered sugar and knead in bowl until smooth.
Shape 1/2 teaspoon sugar mixture around each cherry. Place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet; chill about 2 hours or until firm. (Note: You could also put them in the freezer for a while.)
Combine chocolate and shortening in top of a double boiler; bring water to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cook until chocolate melts. Dip each cherry by the stem into chocolate. Place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet; chill until firm. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.