Tom, I hope this is close enough for your friend, they sound great!!

Chocolate-dipped Cherry Shortbread
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 TBSP. sugar
1/2 cup butter ( NOT margarine )
1 TBSP. milk
2 or 3 drops red food coloring ( optional)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
4 tsp. shortening

Drain cherries on paper towels.
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the flour and the sugar. Using a pastry
blender, cut in the butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in the
cherries, milk, and, if using, food coloring. Form into a ball; knead until smooth. Shape dough into 1" balls. Place 2" apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Using the bottom of a glass, slightly flatten balls to 1/2" thickness.
Bake in a 325'F. oven for about 20 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are lightly browned. Remove cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Melt the chocolate chips and the shortening together, stir until smooth.
Dip the edges only of the cookies in the melted chocolate. Place on waxed
paper or on a wire rack till chocolate is set.

Makes about 24 cookies. Enjoy!! :0)