Maraschinos are a type of
candied fruit made from fresh cherries. The term originally referred to
marasca cherries preserved in liqueur, a practice begun in Dalmatia
centuries ago. Today, Maraschinos are packed in sugar syrup, flavored
with almond, and tinted with common food coloring FD&C Red No. 40. The
cherries are then prepared with small amounts of sodium benzoate and/or
potassium sorbate. Maraschinos are a tasty and beautiful candied treat,
so
Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies
1 1/2 C. flour
1/2 C. cocoa
1/2 C. butter
1 C. sugar
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. baking powder
1/4 t. baking soda
1 egg
1 1/2 t. vanilla
48 undrained maraschino cherries about a 10 oz. jar
6 oz. chocolate chips
1/2 C. sweetened condensed milk
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt and baking soda. In
another bowl, combine butter and sugar. Add the egg and vanilla and blend until
well combined.
Stir in the flour mixture and blend well. Shape into 1 inch balls.
Place on a ungreased cookie sheet. Press down in the center with your thumb.
Drain cherries, reserving juice. Place a cherry in the center of each cookie.
In a small saucepan, combine the chocolate pieces, sweetened condensed milk and
4 teaspoons of the cherry juice. Heat until chocolate melts.
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the chocolate frosting over each cherry. (Frosting may
be thinned with additional cherry juice, if needed.) Cover cherry.
Bake at 350°F. for about 10 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet to a wire rack.
