1/4 c. plus 2 tbsp. butter, softened
2 1/2 c. sifted powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp. milk
1/4 tsp. vanilla
48 maraschino cherries with stems
1 (12 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate morsels
1 tbsp. shortening

Cream butter, gradually add sugar, beating well. Blend in milk and vanilla. Chill mixture for 2 hours or until firm. Drain cherries, dry on paper towel. Place bowl of sugar mixture in a bowl of ice to keep chilled. Shape a small amount around each cherry, place on wax paper and chill 2 hours. Melt chocolate chips and shortening in top of double boiler. Dip each cherry in chocolate by stem. Chill until firm. Makes 4 dozen.