1/2 c. maraschino cherries, chopped
1 1/4 c. flour
3 tbsp. sugar
1/2 c. butter
1 tbsp. milk
2-3 drops red food color
1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate pieces
2 tsp. shortening
3 oz. vanilla-flavored candy coating
2 tsp. shortening

Drain cherry on paper towels. Stir together flour and sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in cherries, milk and food coloring. Form into a ball, knead until smooth. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Using the bottom of a glass, slightly flatten balls to 1/2 inch. Bake in 325 degree oven about 20 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are lightly brown. Remove, cool on rack.

Melt together chocolate and 2 teaspoons shortening. Dip half the cookies into melted chocolate. Place on waxed paper until firm. Melt together candy coating and 2 teaspoons shortening. Dip remaining cookies and place on waxed paper until firm.

Makes approximately 24 cookies.