Orange Sugar Bells

ingredients

• servings: 5
• 1/3 cup shortening
• 1/3 cup butter
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 25 maraschino cherries, halved

recipe

• in large bowl beat shortening and butter or margarine until butter is softened. add the sugar and beat until fluffy.
• add the egg, milk, orange peel, and vanilla and beat until well mixed. add flour and baking powder and mix well.
• cover and chill about 30 minutes or until easy to handle.
• shape dough into two 8-inch long rolls. wrap in plastic wrap and chill for several hours or overnight.
• preheat oven to 350 degrees f.
• cut rolls into 1/4-inch slices. place on ungreased cookie sheet.
• on the bottom half of each slice, place a cherry for the bell clapper. fold in the sides of the slice, overlapping at the top and slightly covering cherry. pinch in the sides to form a bell shape.
• bake for 12-14 minutes or until done. remove and cool on wire rack.