Finding Food and Love

My all time favorite cookie in the whole wide world is the Peanut Blossom! For some reason the craving for these tasty treats starts to develop at the beginning of November and lasts throughout the holiday season. The combination of the peanut butter, sugar and a chocolate kiss is just pure perfection. I find them acceptable for “breakfast…second breakfast…elevenses? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper?” - Pippin - Lord of the Rings. So, pretty much wake me up in the middle of the night and I will want one of these cookies. Enjoy.

Makes 4 dozen cookies.

INGREDIENTS:
48 HERSHEY’S KISSES milk chocolates
1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from chocolates.

Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar and beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla and beat to combine. Stir together flour, baking soda, salt and add into the peanut butter mixture.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate into center of each cookie; cookie will crack around edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Allow to cool completely.