Rolled and Sliced Cookies
Christmas Cookies

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 (16 ounce) jars plus 1 (8 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, undrained
• 1/4 cup brandy
• Sifted powdered sugar

Cream butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl; gradually add flour, blending until a stiff dough is formed. Chill 8 hours or overnight.

Drain cherries, reserving 1/4 cup liquid. Combine cherries, reserved liquid, and brandy. Chill 8 hours or overnight.

Drain cherries well, discarding liquid. Divide dough in half, keeping one portion chilled until ready to use . Roll dough to 1/8 inch thickness on a surface sprinkled with powdered sugar. Cut into 3 x 1 inch strips. Place a cherry on each strip, and roll up, pinching end of strip to seal. (Cherry will be exposed on both sides of the pastry strip.) Place seam-side down on lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven, and sprinkle with powdered sugar while warm. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Yield: 10 dozen.

Note: Pecan halves may be substituted for cherries. (Omit soaking in brandy.)

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