Serves: 108
¾ cup vegetable shortening
12 Tablespoons butter
4 ½ cups flour
1 egg
1 egg yolk
¼ teaspoon baking soda
9 drops red food coloring
1 ½ cups sugar
3 Tablespoons milk
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups red maraschino cherries
1 ½ cups walnuts - chopped
In a large mixer bowl beat shortening and butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed about 30 seconds or until softened. Add about half of the flour, all of the sugar, egg, milk, egg yolk, vanilla, baking soda, and salt. Beat till thoroughly combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat or stir in remaining flour. Add cherries (drained and finely chopped), and 9 drops of red food coloring and mix thoroughly. Shape dough into a 10-inch roll. Roll dough in nuts till covered. Wrap in waxed paper or clear plastic wrap and chill for 4 hours. When ready to bake; cut dough into ¼ inch slices. Place 2 inches apart on an un-greased cookie sheet and bake in a 375º oven for 8 - 10 minutes.