CHOCOLATE DIPPED CRANBERRY COOKIES

1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cup coarsely chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
FOR DIPPING:
1 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate bits, melted
1 1/4 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease cookies sheets.

Using an electric mixer, beat shortening and sugar together in a medium mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a separate mixing bowl. Add shortening mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Stir in cranberries. Immediately drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer cookies to wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and then in nuts. Allow chocolate to dry completely.

Makes 3 dozen
Source: Worcester Telegram and Gazette