Hershey Peanut Butter Blossoms (Chocolate Kiss Cookies)

A wonderful marriage of chocolate and peanut butter.

Ingredients:

48 milk or dark chocolate Hershey Kisses

1/2 cup shortening

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

additional granulated sugar

Method:

Remove wrappers from chocolates. Preheat oven to 375*. Beat shortening and peanut butter in a large bowl until well blended. Add sugar and brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla. Beat .well. Sift together flour, soda and salt. Gradually beat into peanut butter mixture. Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Roll in additional sugar and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Cook 5 minutes. remove from oven and press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. (Cookie will crack around edges.) Return to oven and bake for 3 to 5 minutes longer. Remove cookie to cooling rack. Cool completely. Makes 4 dozen. Store in an airtight container.

Notes: I have been making these famous cookies since I was a teenager. They are a favorite of many.